LAUSR

ABSTRACT This study examined the similarities and differences between parent and adolescent views on cyberbullying in the US, and how adolescents and parents view parents’ role in addressing this issue. Purposeful sampling was used to identify participants. A total of 131 participants took part in 14 focus groups. The participants were 69% female, 50% were adults, and 68% Caucasian. Results showed that when discussing cyberbullying, adolescents focused on how we relate to one another when cyberbullying occurs and parents focused on the repercussions of cyberbullying. Adolescents and parents agreed that parents needed to do a better job of trying to understand how their adolescents engage with others on social media in order to become effective allies in addressing this issue. Also, more resources are needed to help parents navigate how to address cyberbullying when it occurs.