A new research by the Michigan State University shows that cyber bullying affects rich and poor equally.
Thomas J Holt, MSU associated Professor of Criminal Justice explained that the so-called 'digital divide' does not exist. Digital divide is the gap between the people who can and cannot access online technologies.
"We found neighborhood conditions that are indicative of poverty and crime are significant predictor for bullying-not only for physical and verbal bullying but cyber bullying as well," Holt said in a press release. "This is a very unique and somewhat surprising finding."
For the study, the researchers analysed the results of 2,000 middle and high school students. The findings revealed that poor and crime infected neighborhood was a strong predictor of physical, verbal and online bullying.
Researchers explained that the cyber bully victims are prone to academic and mental health problems that can lead to suicide. The Cyber bullying Research Center states in 2011, around 2.2 million U.S. students were bullied online compared to the 1.5 million students who were harassed in 2009.
The team also said that teachers and school officials should play an active role in preventing bullying in real and virtual spaces in low income communities. "Such a message is vital to ensure all forms of bullying are given equal emphasis," Holt said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 30 percent of American youth have experienced a bullying incident, either as a victim or a bully.
The finding was documented in the 'Journal of Criminal Justice'.
