“In My Opinion, They Should Just Suck It Up”: A Qualitative Analysis of U.S. College Students’ Opinions on Cyberbullying Intervention and Prevention

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34624/jdmi.v9i21.37147

Keywords:

cyberbullying, cyberculture, social media, college students, social control

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates the perceptions of cyberbullying among U.S. college students, exploring their views on the feasibility and efficacy of prevention strategies. Findings reveal four major themes: (1) skepticism regarding the feasibility of completely stopping or preventing cyberbullying, with participants expressing doubts about the effectiveness of existing interventions and prevention efforts; (2) emphasis on individual-level action, as participants discuss the importance of personal responsibility and self-protection strategies in navigating online interactions and responding to cyberbullying incidents; (3) calls for accountability among families, parents, schools, and other adults, with participants advocating for increased awareness, education, and proactive measures to address cyberbullying at systemic levels; and (4) recognition of the need for formal forms of social control, including policies, regulations, and enforcement mechanisms, to create a safer online environment and deter cyberbullying behaviors. These findings underscore the complexity of cyberbullying dynamics among college students and highlight the multifaceted nature of prevention and intervention efforts. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed, emphasizing the importance of holistic, collaborative approaches to addressing cyberbullying and promoting digital well-being among college communities.

Author Biographies

  • Monica Bixby Radu, Southeast Missouri State University

    Dr. Monica Radu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology at Southeast Missouri State University. She teaches introductory and upper-level sociology courses, including social problems, deviant social behavior, and work and family life. She also teaches courses for the graduate program in criminal justice, including social inequality, research methods, and statistics. Her recent scholarly contribution includes co-editing a book titled Race, Racism, and Inequality in the Digital Age, which examines the complex interplay of these societal elements.

  • Kristen N Sobba, Southeast Missouri State University

    Dr. Kristen Sobba is an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology at Southeast Missouri State University. She also serves as the Criminal Justice Graduate Coordinator. Dr. Sobba teaches a wide range of undergraduate and graduate criminal justice courses, including juvenile justice, victimology, research methods, and introductory criminal justice courses. Recently, Dr. Sobba's research has focused on examining the prevalence and dynamics of bullying among disabled students. Her work seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the social interactions within educational settings that affect disabled students, ultimately advocating for more inclusive and safer learning environments.

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Published

2026-07-22

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 21 (2026): Brands in the Age of the Hyperdigital

Section

Varia

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Copyright (c) 2026 Monica Bixby Radu, Kristen N Sobba

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