Sensibility Development Program against Cyberbullying

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of the Sensibility Development Program against Cyberbullying in raising awareness around cyberbullying and reducing cyberbullying behaviors. The program specifically targeted adolescents who were at risk of exposure to cyberbullying behaviors. For this study, an experimental design with a control group was used ( N = 18). The Cyberbullying Sensibility Scale (CBSS) was administered to the experimental and the control groups before and after the program. The experimental group also filled out the Cyberbullying Scale, which measured engagement with cyberbullying behaviors. Statistical analysis indicated that there was a significant difference between CBSS pre-and-post-test scores in the experimental group. No significant difference was found for the control group, suggesting that the program was effective in helping students develop a level of sensibility against cyberbullying. No significant difference was found between pre-and-post-tests with respect to students’ engagement with cyberbullying behaviors. The implications for prevention and intervention programs were discussed.