ABSTRACT
This chapter considers cyberbullying as a distinct phenomenon, rather cyberbullying is an extension of, traditional bullying behaviours. It also considers individual and social risk factors that have been associated with involvement in both traditional and cyber forms of bullying. A longitudinal study on sibling and peer violence found that anti-social behaviour between siblings at age 3 predicted bullying of peers at age 6, indicating that experiencing violence within the home at a young age can increase the risk of later involvement in peer bullying. The chapter examines the association between cyberbullying and social networking sites reported that it was not use of social networking, but rather participants' online behaviour, including posting pictures, disclosing information about their school or home, and flirting with unknown people, that significantly increased the risk of being victimised. It addresses the risk factors associated with all forms of bullying, including improving the school and family environment, raising social skills, and encouraging positive and supportive peer relationships.
