The Cyberbullying Research Center is dedicated to providing up-to-date information about the nature, extent, causes, and consequences of cyberbullying among adolescents.  Cyberbullying can be defined as “Willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices.”  It is also known as “cyber bullying,” “electronic bullying,” “e-bullying,” “sms bullying,” “mobile bullying,” “online bullying,” “digital bullying,” or “Internet bullying.” 

This web site serves as a clearinghouse of information concerning the ways adolescents use and misuse technology.  It is intended to be a resource for parents, educators, law enforcement officers, counselors, and others who work with youth.  Here you will find facts, figures, and detailed stories from those who have been directly impacted by online aggression.  In addition, the site includes numerous resources to help you prevent and respond to cyberbullying incidents.

The Cyberbullying Research Center is directed by Dr. Sameer Hinduja (Florida Atlantic University) and Dr. Justin Patchin (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire).  They have been studying cyberbullying since 2002 and first launched this web site in 2005.  They founded the Center as a means to further their mission of bringing sound research about cyberbullying to those who can benefit most from it.  Their recent book Bullying beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying is available from Amazon and through other fine bookstores.

Dr. Justin W. Patchin, Co-Director of the Cyberbullying Research Center

Justin is an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice in the Department of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He received his Ph.D. and M.S. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University and his B.S. in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. He has presented on various topics relating to juvenile justice, school violence, policy and program evaluation, and adolescent Internet use and misuse at academic conferences and training seminars across the United States. His first book The Family Context of Childhood Delinquency explores the role of parenting in the prevention and intervention of serious delinquent behaviors of children.  Since 2002, his research has focused on adolescent behavior online.  His most recent book Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying (co-authored with Sameer Hinduja), examines the ways adolescents use technology to cause harm to their peers (and what adults can do about it).  He has also published in a number of academic journals, including Crime & Delinquency, Journal of Adolescence, Criminal Justice Review, Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, Western Criminology Review, and Deviant Behavior.

http://www.uwec.edu/patchinj/webvitae.htm

Dr. Sameer Hinduja, Co-Director of the Cyberbullying Research Center

Sameer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida Atlantic University. He works nationally and internationally with the private and public sector to reduce online victimization and its real-world consequences. His research has been featured in hundreds of print and online articles around the world, as well as on radio and TV. Dr. Hinduja has written two books, his latest entitled Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying (co-authored with Justin W. Patchin), and his interdisciplinary research is widely published in a number of peer-reviewed academic journals. He is a member of the Research Advisory Board for Harvard University's Internet Safety Task Force, and has given presentations for a range of audiences including Fortune 500 companies, federal law enforcement, school districts, and community organizations. He received his Ph.D. and M.S. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University (focus area: computer crime) and his B.S. in Criminal Justice (minor in legal studies) from the University of Central Florida Honors College.

http://www.fau.edu/~hinduja/

Together, Dr. Hinduja and Dr. Patchin have written numerous articles and have presented nationally and internationally on the topic of cyberbullying. Their research has involved data from approximately 10,000 youth regarding their experiences with cyberbullying offending and victimization. Their work has been featured in many national and international news programs and outlets. They are currently partnering with school administrators at a number of different districts to explore the nature of traditional and online victimization among their student body. In addition, they have given presentations to thousands of educators, counselors, law enforcement, parents, and youth on how to prevent and address the school-based consequences of cyberbullying. Finally, they have served as an expert witness and consulted with attorneys on cases involving cyberbullying. If you would like copies of their work, please contact them.

Justin W. Patchin, Ph.D.
Department of Political Science
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
PO Box 4004
Eau Claire, WI 54702
715.836.4058
patchin@cyberbullying.us