You're Not Anonymous Online: The Development and Validation of a New Cyberbullying Intervention Curriculum

Cyberbullying is a pervasive phenomenon that leads to a variety of damaging psychological consequences for its victims. Myriad theoretical frameworks, including the Barlett Gentile Cyberbullying Model, have emphasized the role of online anonymity perceptions in predicting cyberbullying behavior. In the present study, we implemented a theory-based video intervention program designed to challenge college students' anonymity perceptions to reduce subsequent cyberbullying. Then, we examined their cyberbullying behavior and attitudes longitudinally at points before the intervention (Wave 1), immediately after it (Wave 2), and 2 months later (Wave 3). The results suggest that our intervention was successful, as there was a significant reduction in anonymity perceptions and toxic online disinhibition from Wave 1 to Wave 2 in the intervention group. Also consistent with our theoretical framework, we found that anonymity perceptions at Wave 2 significantly mediated the relationship between intervention group and Wave 3 cyberbullying perpetration. Further research is needed to study this approach in the context of younger children.