Research on supporting children and young people with cyberbullying
NatCen is conducting research into cyberbullying on behalf of OFCOM. This page provides information about the study, including what we want to find out and what taking part involves.
What is the research about?
The research aims to help develop a better understanding of children and young people’s experiences of cyberbullying, and support Ofcom’s future work in this area.
We want to:
- Find out what cyberbullying looks like among children and young people in the UK
- Understand which platforms and online services children and young people are encountering cyberbullying on.
- Explore the impacts of cyberbullying on children and young people
- Learn what works to reduce cyberbullying among children and young people in the UK.
Why are you contacting me?
If you are a Social Worker with experience of working with children or young people who have experienced cyberbullying, we would like to invite you to take part in a research interview to share your views. We are hoping to speak to social workers who have encountered issues related to cyberbullying as part of their case work, even where this has not been a core part of their role.
What will taking part involve?
We would like to schedule an individual, sixty-minute interview with a NatCen researcher, to take place at a time that is convenient for you over the next few weeks.
The interview will be carried out online using either Zoom or Teams videoconferencing software, according to your preference. (We can also conduct it by telephone if preferred.)
Who is conducting the study?
This study is being conducted by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), Britain’s largest independent social research agency. We have been asked to do this research by Ofcom to inform their future work exploring the pathways and impact of online content that is harmful to children. We are carrying out the research in partnership with City, University of London, the Anti-Bullying Alliance and The Diana Award.
How will the findings be used?
We will write a report for Ofcom, based on the views of everyone we speak to during our research. All the research data will be systematically analysed and reported thematically. The information may be published either in report format or in other formats, such as journal articles, policy briefings or blog posts.
When we talk about the research and in our written outputs, we may quote from your interview, but will not use your name or include any details that could identify you in any way.
Privacy Notice
In our privacy notice, we explain the legal basis for data processing, who will have access to your personal data, how your data will be used, stored and deleted, and who you can contact with a query or a complaint.
Click here to view the privacy notice.
Do I have to take part?
No – it’s entirely up to you. Even if you choose to take part, you can change your mind. You do not need to give a reason, and your choice will not make a positive or negative difference to your relationship with NatCen, Ofcom, our partners, or any other organisation now or in the future.
Contact us
Email: cyberbullying@natcen.ac.uk
Freephone: 0808 168 2791