Online chat-support for bullying prevention and follow-up: an analysis of the characteristics of chat-users and their experiences

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine data registered at an online bullying support chat-service over a three-year period to determine the characteristics of users and their experiences. The service was contacted 12,687 times during this period, leading to 7,641 chat-dialogues with counsellors, 57% of which (n = 4,388) were directly related to bullying. Findings indicate that 76% of chat-users were female and 89% were victims of bullying (ages 12–17). The extent of bullying experienced was extensive, typically occurring on a daily basis at school. More than 30% had not sought help prior to contacting the service. Verbal, relational, and physical bullying were all common, although verbal bullying was by far the most prevalent, occurring in 65% of cases. Consistent with survey research on bullying, boys were significantly more likely than girls to have been the victims of physical bullying, while the opposite was true for relational bullying.

KEYWORDS:

• Chat-support
• bullying
• adolescence
• helpline
• youth

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David Lansing Cameron

David Lansing Cameron is a professor of special education in the Department of Education, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway, where he researches and teachers in the fields of inclusive, comparative and special education. His most recent work concerns multidisciplinary collaboration, implementation of educational policy and exploration of the social learning environments of children.

Velibor Bobo Kovac

Velibor Bobo Kovac is a professor at the Department of Education at the University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway, where he teaches courses in psychology, special education, research methods and the history of education. His research interests include studies on addictive behaviours, motivational theory and assessments of children’s behaviours in various contexts.

May Olaug Horverak

May Olaug Horverak is a senior counsellor at Blue Cross Norway, Kristiansand, as well as a headmaster at Birkenes Learning Centre. She holds master’s degrees in English and in special education, and a doctoral degree in English language linguistics and didactics. Her research interests include applied linguistics, motivation, health promotion and special education.