The importance of social connection for cybervictims: How connectedness and technology could promote mental health and wellbeing in young people

Larisa McLoughlin; Barbara Spears; Carmel Taddeo

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The importance of social connection for cybervictims: How connectedness and technology could promote mental health and wellbeing in young people

Journal article

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The importance of social connection for cybervictims: How connectedness and technology could promote mental health and wellbeing in young people

Larisa McLoughlin, Barbara Spears and Carmel Taddeo

International Journal of Emotional Education, Vol.10(1), pp.5-24

2018

Appears in Thompson Institute Research Collection

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Abstract

Public Health and Health Services

Specialist Studies in Education

Social Work

cyberbullying

mental health

social connectedness

technology

wellbeing

Other Collaborations

Thompson Institute Special Collection

A substantial amount of research has documented the negative impact technology has on young people's lives: particularly cyberbullying and the negative mental health outcomes associated with it. Research examining how technology could promote mental health and wellbeing in young people however, needs further investigation. This paper reports on a mixed methods study, which involved quantitative online surveys (N = 229), and face to face interviews (N = 30), across eight South Australian high schools. This paper will only address the quantitative results. The study involved young people aged 12 to 17 years. This paper discusses the importance of social connectedness and the use of technology to promote social connectedness among young people. A key finding was that young people who were more socially connected, were more likely to cope actively in response to frequent cyber victimisation. They were more likely to seek help and have positive mental health as a consequence. Findings from this study could aid policy development, social media campaigns, and the education of health professionals, teachers, and parents about the benefits of technology and the importance of staying connected.

Details

Title: The importance of social connection for cybervictims: How connectedness and technology could promote mental health and wellbeing in young people
Authors: Larisa McLoughlin (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Barbara Spears (Author) - University of South Australia
Carmel Taddeo (Author) - University of South Australia
Publication details: International Journal of Emotional Education, Vol.10(1), pp.5-24
Publisher: University of Malta
Date published: 2018
ISSN: 2073-7629; 2073-7629
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451405302621
Output Type: Journal article

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