Seventeen teens (mean age = 11.71. SD = 1.26) who had experiences in playing online games participated in the focus group interviews of Study 2. Their responses were collected in order to develop comprehensive scales to measure cyber-victimization and cyberbullying, so as to better understand the differences between online and real life friendship and also to reveal the reasons behind playing online games. Studies 3 and 4 were based on the same sample of six hundred twenty-six grade 5 and 6 students (mean age =10.81, SD = .83), but with different purposes. In Study 3, two scales, both ultimately (following test analyses) comprised of eight items were developed for measuring cyber-victimization and cyberbullying, They demonstrated satisfactory reliabilities and criterion validities. In Study 4, the relative quality of best friendship in online games versus in real life, as well as the relative importance of friendship, victimization, and bullying in real life and in online games in relation to early adolescents' overall psychosocial adjustment were examined. Online victimization and online bullying were negatively related to psychological well-being of early adolescents. After controlling demographics, computer gaming habits, school victimization and real life friendship, online victimization still significantly and negatively explained additional variance in friendship satisfaction, while online friendship still positively and significantly explained additional variance in social competence, friendship satisfaction, self esteem and life satisfaction after demographics, computer gaming habits, school victimization, and real life friendship were statistically controlled. Gender moderated the relationship between real life friendship and social competence and friendship satisfaction, but it did not moderate the relationship between online friendship and the other psychological constructs. This research demonstrated the theoretical and practical importance of investigating social experiences (both negative, i.e. being cyber-bullied, and positive, i.e. building up online friendship) in the online context. / The present research comprised four studies to investigate the relation of online game playing and correlates of three important aspects, namely friendship, victimization and bullying, of social development of Hong Kong Chinese grade 5 and 6 students. Comparisons of these correlates across two contexts, the real life and internet experiences, were also made. Four hundred ninety-four grade five and six students (mean age = 11.54, SD = .91) participated in Study 1. Average times spent on different types of different type of computer games and the importance of social functioning of online games were determined. Average time spent per day on Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs), solitary computer games, handheld video games e.g. NDS, PSP, and home video consoles (e.g., Wii) were 2.38 hours (SD =2.21), 1.66 hours (SD =1.86), 1.25 hours, (SD =1.54), and .67 hours (SD =1.15), respectively. Social functioning of online games was positively correlated with life satisfaction of early adolescents. / Leung, Nga Man. / Adviser: Catherine McBride-Chang. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 72-04, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-119). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

122 Leaves printed on single pages, preliminary pages and numbered pages 1-113. Includes bibliography, list of abbreviations, list of definitions, list of tables and figures and list of appendices. Pdf format (OCR). / Thesis (MEd (Educational Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Research into bullying has brought with it an awareness of many aspects of this phenomenon. Firstly, it has shown a distinction between various types of bullying and also how these are further delineated by means of gender. Secondly, by mere omission, it has shown the lack of research on bullying amongst girls. Bullying amongst girls is rife, however the research in this area is limited. The aims of this research are to further explore the complex nature of bullying amongst girls and to gain understanding of its impact; to use the perspectives of the participants to drive intervention and preventative strategies; to dispel the myths which support the practice of bullying; and to raise awareness of an invisible problem, thereby rendering it visible. This interpretive study explores bullying amongst girls by using the perspectives of Grade 5 girls in a parochial school in the Western Cape. The process of inquiry is embedded in the ecosystemic approach and constructivism, which emphasises the importance of context and the belief that knowledge is not passively received, but actively constructed on the basis of the experiences of an individual. Data was collected through the use of semi-structured recorded interviews with focus groups, which were then transcribed verbatim and categorised into themes. The themes which emerged include the varied and complex nature of bullying techniques and the effects of bullying. The main finding was that some girls have innate characteristics which help maintain bullying while others have characteristics which protect them from bullying. The environment also plays a large part in either maintaining bullying or protecting girls from bullying. The implication was that intervention and preventative strategies need to be based on these personal and contextual factors in order to effect change. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Navorsing oor afknouery (bullying) het 'n nuwe bewustheid van vele aspekte van hierdie fenomeen na vore gebring. Eerstens het dit 'n onderskeid tussen verskillende soorte geniepsigheid getoon en ook hoe geniepsigheid verder deur middel van geslag bepaal word. Tweedens het dit ook die gebrek aan navorsing oor geniepsigheid tussen meisies onder die aandag gebring, bloot deurdat dit feitlik nie genoem word nie. Geniepsige gedrag tussen meisies is algemeen, maar navorsing binne hierdie veld is beperk. Die doelstellings van hierdie navorsing is om die komplekse aard van geniepsigheid tussen meisies verder te verken en om 'n begrip van die impak daarvan te verwerf; om die perspektiewe van die deelnemers te gebruik om tussentrede en voorkomingstrategieë te bewerkstellig; om mites wat die praktyk van afknouery ondersteun, te verdryf; en om bewustheid van 'n onsigbare probleem te bemiddel en dit daardeur sigbaar te maak. Hierdie interpretatiewe studie verken geniepsigheid tussen meisies met behulp van die perspektiewe van Graad 5-meisies in 'n kerkskool in die Weskaap. Die ondersoekproses wat gevolg is, is op die ekosistemiese benadering en konstruktiwisme gegrond, wat die belangrikheid van konteks en die oortuiging beklemtoon dat kennnis nie op passiewe wyse bekom word nie, maar aktief op die grondslag van die ervarings van indiwidue gekonstrueer word. Data is met gebruik van semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude met fokusgroepe wat op band opgeneem is, ingesamel, waarna dit woordeliks vanaf opnames getranskribeer en volgens temas gekategoriseer is. Die temas wat na vore gekom het, omvat die wisselende en komplekse aard van afknoutegnieke en die uitwerking van geniepsigheid. Daar is gevind dat sommige meisies ingebore trekke het wat help om geniepsige gedrag te onderhou terwyl ander meisies trekke het wat hulle teen geniepsigheid beskerm. Die omgewing speel ook 'n aansienlike rol in die ondersteuning van geniepsige gedrag of die beskerming van meisies daarteen. Die impliseer dat tussentrede en voorkomende strategieë op hierdie persoonlike en kontekstuele faktore gebaseer moet word om verandering te bewerkstellig.

For my thesis I chose a topic related to the use and limits of the Internet for pupils of primary school in their free time, because I think that this issue is not given sufficient attention. The aim of my work, based on content analysis of literature and other sources and on the research among pupils, is to formulate risks associated with the use of the Internet by pupils of younger school age. Chapters of my thesis provide the readers to the issue of risk phenomena associated with the use of the Internet, which can affect mental and physical health of children. Readers will also find a chapter focused on existing projects dealing with the issue of Internet safety. And last but not least, the work is focused on the possibility of the use and safety of the sites mostly visited by children that resulted from the research. For my work I have drawn mainly from the many Internet publications and brochures, written by the experts in this issue, because the topic is relatively new and it is difficult to find books devoted to it. The work includes also research part, for which I chose the method of questionnaire survey, exploring outlined three areas - the use of the Internet, Internet safety and use of social networks by pupils of 3rd - 5th year of primary school. The results are placed in a table that...

Syftet med denna studie är att utifrån ett chefsperspektiv undersöka upplevelser av erfarenheter och uppfattningar av deras arbete med den organisatoriska och sociala arbetsmiljön inom sina respektive verksamheter. Vidare studeras även chefers upplevelser av hur sociala medier idag skulle kunna påverka medarbetarna med fortsatt utgångspunkt från den organisatoriska och sociala arbetsmiljön. Studien är av kvalitativ karaktär och utfördes med hjälp av semistrukturerade djupintervjuer på chefer inom vårdsektorn. Studiens resultat redogör att cheferna har olika erfarenheter i sitt arbete med den organisatoriska och sociala arbetsmiljön. Alla chefer beskriver faktorer som exempelvis rekrytering, hälsa, bemanning och mobbning som centrala områden, både positivt och negativt påverkningsbara, för medarbetarnas organisatoriska och sociala arbetsmiljö. Vidare beskrivs av vissa chefer, upplevelser i användandet av sociala medier kunna påverka resultat och effektivitet inom respektive verksamhet också här både positivt och negativt.

Cette recherche s’intéresse à un sujet d’actualité portant sur la vie privée des mineurs en ligne, plus particulièrement sur la protection des données personnelles. Depuis l’avènement des nouvelles technologies de l’information et des communications (NTIC) et la venue du web 2.0, la protection des données personnelles demeure question d’actualité en plus d’être fort complexe. Cette question demeure encore plus criante lorsqu’il s’agit de mineurs. La présente recherche s’intéresse d’abord à l’utilisation d’Internet par les mineurs, à la notion de vulnérabilité du mineur et de l’insuffisance des règles actuelles. Elle s’intéresse également à la distinction conceptuelle entre « mineur » et « enfant » avant de s’arrêter plus longuement aux principales formes d’infractions qui portent atteinte à la vie privée et à l’intégrité des mineurs. Plus loin dans ce mémoire, on s’intéresse aux dispositions législatives et réglementaires au Canada, aux États-Unis et au sein de l’Union européenne. Dans la dernière partie on montre les différences significatives entre le Canada, les États-Unis et l’Union européenne. Dans la conclusion de ce mémoire, nous revenons sur les faits saillants de cette recherche comparative en insistant sur le fait qu’il est complexe de protéger les données personnelles des mineurs et qu’il existe des différences importantes dans les législations et les règlements en vigueur sur le plan national et international. / This research study addresses a current concern regarding the privacy of minors online, more specifically the protection of personal data. Since the emergence of new information and communication technologies (NICT) and the introduction of Web 2.0, the protection of personal data remains a relevant and very complex issue. This issue is even more critical when it comes to minors. This research study first looks at Internet use by minors, the notion of a minor person’s vulnerability and the limitations of the current rules. It also examines the conceptual distinction between "minor" and "child" before focusing on the main aspect of violation of a minor's privacy and integrity. Later in this master’s thesis, the legislative and regulatory provisions in Canada, the United States and the European Union are examined. The final section highlights the significant differences between Canada, the United States and the European Union. In the conclusion for this dissertation, we will look back at the highlights of this comparative study, emphasizing that the task of protecting the personal data of minors is complex and that there are significant disparities in the laws and regulations in force at the national and international levels.

Cyber aggression came about as a result of advances in information communication technology and the aggressive usage of the technology in real life. Cyber aggression can take on many forms and facets. However, the main focus of this study is cyberbullying and cyberstalking through information sharing practices that might constitute digital aggressive acts. Human aggression has been extensively investigated. Studies focusing on understanding the causes and effects that can lead to physical and digital aggression have shown the prevalence of cyber aggression in different settings. Moreover, these studies have shown strong relationship between cyber aggression and the physiological and physical trauma on both perpetrators and their victims. Nevertheless, the literature shows a lack of studies that could measure the level of acceptance and tolerance of these dangerous digital acts. This study is divided into two main stages; Stage one is a qualitative pilot study carried out to explore the concept of cyber aggression and its existence in Saudi Arabia. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 Saudi social media users to collect understanding and meanings of cyber aggression. The researcher followed the Colaizzi’s methods to analyze the descriptive data. A proposed model was generated to describe cyber aggression in social media applications. The results showed that there is a level of acceptance to some cyber aggression acts due to a number of factors. The second stage of the study is focused on developing scales with reliable items that could determine acceptability and tolerability of cyber aggression. In this second stage, the researcher used the factors discovered during the first stage as source to create the scales’ items. The proposed methods and scales were analyzed and tested to increase reliability as indicated by the Cronbach’s Alpha value. The scales were designed to measure how acceptable and tolerable is cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking in Saudi Arabia and the sharing of some information in social media applications. The results show a strong tolerance level of those activities. This study is a valuable resource for advanced-level students, educators, and researchers who focus on cyber security, cyber psychology, and cyber aggression in social network sites.

Объектом исследования является восприимчивость и реакции подростков в ситуации кибербуллинга. Предметом исследования стала взаимосвязь восприимчивости (подверженность кибербуллингу, интенсивность переживаний) и реакции (способы совладания) подростков разного возраста в инцидентах кибербуллинга с уровнем их самооценки. Магистерская диссертация включает в себя введение, две главы, заключение, список литературы, который состоит из 72 наименований, в т. ч. 9 на иностранном языке. Работа сопровождается приложениями иллюстративно-пояснительного характера в количестве 5 единиц. Объем магистерской диссертации 98 страниц, на которых размещены 14 рисунков и 12 таблиц. Во введении раскрывается актуальность проблемы исследования, разработанность проблематики, ставятся цель и задачи исследования, определяются объект и предмет исследования, формулируются основная и дополнительные гипотезы, указываются методы и эмпирическая база, а также этапы проведения исследования, научная новизна, теоретическая и практическая значимость работы. В первой главе исследованы теоретические аспекты кибербуллинга в подростковой среде, описаны особенности поведения подростка в интернет- пространстве и интернет-коммуникации, изучены различия младшего и старшего периодов подросткового возраста. Изучены стратегии совладания и уровень самооценки как один из факторов выбора стратегии совладания подростка в ситуации кибербуллинга в интернет-пространстве. Выводы по первой главе представляют собой итоги по изучению теоретического материала. Вторая глава посвящена эмпирической части исследования. Во второй главе проведен эмпирический анализ кибербуллинга и стратегий совладания с ним в подростковой среде в зависимости от возраста и самооценки подростка. По результатам проведенного эмпирического исследования и выявленных взаимосвязей предложены действенные стратегии совладания с кибербуллингом. Также в главе представлен корреляционный и факторный анализ результатов исследования. Выводы по главе 2 включают в себя основные результаты эмпирического исследования. В заключении в обобщенном виде изложены результаты теоретической и эмпирической частей работы, а также выводы по выдвинутым гипотезам, обоснована практическая значимость исследования и описаны возможные перспективы дальнейшей разработки данной проблематики. / The object of the study is the susceptibility and reactions of adolescents in a situation of cyberbullying. The subject of the study was the relationship of susceptibility (susceptibility to cyberbullying, intensity of experiences) and reaction (coping methods) of teenagers of different ages in incidents of cyberbullying with their level of self-esteem. The master's thesis includes an introduction, two chapters, a conclusion, a list of references, which consists of 72 titles, including 9 in a foreign language. The work is accompanied by applications of an illustrative and explanatory nature in the amount of 5 units. The volume of the master's thesis is 98 pages, which contain 14 figures and 12 tables. The introduction reveals the relevance of the research problem, the development of the problem, sets the goal and objectives of the study, defines the object and subject of the study, formulates the main and additional hypotheses, indicates the methods and empirical base, as well as the stages of the study, scientific novelty, theoretical and practical significance of the work. The first chapter explores the theoretical aspects of cyberbullying in adolescence, describes the behavior of a teenager in the Internet space and Internet communication, and examines the differences between the younger and older periods of adolescence. Studied coping strategies and the level of self-esteem as one of the factors in choosing a coping strategy for a teenager in a situation of cyberbullying in the Internet space. The conclusions on the first chapter are the results of the study of theoretical material. The second chapter is devoted to the empirical part of the study. The second chapter provides an empirical analysis of cyberbullying and strategies for coping with it in adolescence, depending on the age and self-esteem of a teenager. Based on the results of the empirical study and the identified relationships, effective strategies for coping with cyberbullying are proposed. The chapter also presents a correlation and factor analysis of the results of the study. Chapter 2's conclusions include the main findings of the empirical study. In conclusion, the results of the theoretical and empirical parts of the work, as well as conclusions on the hypotheses put forward, are summarized, the practical significance of the study is substantiated, and possible prospects for further development of this issue are described.

No description available.

This study centres on the psychological effects new digital media, like the internet and cellphones, have on adolescents. Although the internet has enormous benefits, it also poses a host of risks that can make adolescents vulnerable to victimisation and/or developing associated psychosocial problems. Characterisations of adolescents’ social relationships in the internet medium, as well as the investigation of the continuity between digital media literacy and online social behaviours, carry high relevance for developmental psychology. It is during the adolescent period that peer interactions arguably hold the greatest importance for individuals’ social and behavioural functioning. Using a logic model for evaluation, the researcher conducted an exploratory research study on digital media use among adolescent learners aged 13 to 15 years to determine whether schools could guide them to think critically for themselves about the entire realm of these new media. The data were gathered from school principals, teachers, parents and learners from three secondary schools in Gauteng Province, which were purposely selected to represent different socio-economic circumstances. A total of 230 people (n=230) participated in the research. Mixed research methods were employed in this study. The quantitative research methods supported the qualitative research methods. The literature review suggested that current media literacy education, which forms part of the Life Orientation curriculum, does not enable learners to think critically or make informed choices about their behaviour in the digital world – because it incorporates neither ethics nor responsibility. One of the main aims of the study therefore was to investigate the importance of expanding existing media literacy education, namely by incorporating two additional learning categories in the curriculum: Digital Safety and Security, and Digital Citizenship. These additional learning categories were introduced in the form of lessons by the teachers participating in the study. A think aloud strategy was used whereby learners verbalise what they were doing and learning while engaging in the digital media literacy lesson activities. The learners’ verbalisations were used to ascertain what learning was occurring in the classroom. The experimental group demonstrated an increase in critical thinking from pre- to post-evaluation. This research therefore proposes that the signature element of intervention strategies for inappropriate online behaviour be to create a “culture of critical thinking”. This implies greatly reducing the risks cyberspace pose, and at the same time enhancing adolescents’ abilities to use it in ways that create and deepen healthy relationships – in the digital as well as the real world. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

This study centres on the psychological effects new digital media, like the internet and cellphones, have on adolescents. Although the internet has enormous benefits, it also poses a host of risks that can make adolescents vulnerable to victimisation and/or developing associated psychosocial problems. Characterisations of adolescents’ social relationships in the internet medium, as well as the investigation of the continuity between digital media literacy and online social behaviours, carry high relevance for developmental psychology. It is during the adolescent period that peer interactions arguably hold the greatest importance for individuals’ social and behavioural functioning. Using a logic model for evaluation, the researcher conducted an exploratory research study on digital media use among adolescent learners aged 13 to 15 years to determine whether schools could guide them to think critically for themselves about the entire realm of these new media. The data were gathered from school principals, teachers, parents and learners from three secondary schools in Gauteng Province, which were purposely selected to represent different socio-economic circumstances. A total of 230 people (n=230) participated in the research. Mixed research methods were employed in this study. The quantitative research methods supported the qualitative research methods. The literature review suggested that current media literacy education, which forms part of the Life Orientation curriculum, does not enable learners to think critically or make informed choices about their behaviour in the digital world – because it incorporates neither ethics nor responsibility. One of the main aims of the study therefore was to investigate the importance of expanding existing media literacy education, namely by incorporating two additional learning categories in the curriculum: Digital Safety and Security, and Digital Citizenship. These additional learning categories were introduced in the form of lessons by the teachers participating in the study. A think aloud strategy was used whereby learners verbalise what they were doing and learning while engaging in the digital media literacy lesson activities. The learners’ verbalisations were used to ascertain what learning was occurring in the classroom. The experimental group demonstrated an increase in critical thinking from pre- to post-evaluation. This research therefore proposes that the signature element of intervention strategies for inappropriate online behaviour be to create a “culture of critical thinking”. This implies greatly reducing the risks cyberspace pose, and at the same time enhancing adolescents’ abilities to use it in ways that create and deepen healthy relationships – in the digital as well as the real world. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)