Perceptions of Cyberbullying from Secondary School Administrators in Texas

Abstract

This mixed method study examined perceptions and experiences of secondary school administrators in Texas regarding cyberbullying. It was designed to gather quantitative information related to cyberbullying in secondary school campuses in Texas as well as descriptive details from the qualitative portion of the survey and follow up interviews.

Data were collected from an electronic survey and follow up interviews. The results were analyzed statistically and for emerging themes. Six themes emerged from the qualitative survey questions and interviews. These themes were: 1) common definitions and descriptions, 2) target on individuals, 3) effect on school climate, 4) speed of replication and permanence of information, 5) difference between public and private information, and 6) need for education.

The perception from secondary school administrators was that cyberbullying incidents are appearing in the majority of secondary schools in Texas and it is important for administrators to understand and respond to cyberbullying.