Abstract:

The present study analyzes the results of our research aimed at identifying different strategies that Slovak adolescents use to cope with cyberbullying. The research sample consisted of 1,118 students aged 11 – 18 who came from all parts of Slovak republic. The coping strategies questionnaire (Cerna, 2013; Machackova, et al., 2013) helped us collect the data and identify any relation between the characteristics, such as age and gender, and coping strategies the adolescents use in case of cyberbullying. Our objectives were, first and foremost, to examine the subcategories of coping strategies and investigate their relation to the age or gender, if possible.

Coping strategies can be subdivided into four categories based on the:
(1) positive reframing emotions,
(2) possibly non constructive behavior and emotions,
(3) emotions that might help reduce the emotional reaction, and
(4) constructive behavior and emotions. According to the research results, it was also identified that neither gender nor age was the crucial determinant in choosing coping strategies for cyberbullying.

The most effective ways to overcome victimization and consequences of cyberbullying are primarily supported by the personal and sociocultural determinants, e.g. the ability to be flexible, sociable and optimistic, as well as highly cognitive qualities, developed problem-solving skills, positive self-assessment or self-confidence, etc.

Keywords:

Cyberbullying, adolescents, coping strategies, age, boys, girls.