Inoculation theory could help give youth the resources to actively resist negative pressures of cyberbullying, including those who need help the most.

Elizabeth Craig, Josh Compton, & Geoffrey Luurs

https://www.igi-global.com/book/handbook-research-communication-strategies-taboo/275842

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) offer promise and peril. On the one hand, ICTs provide an unprecedented amount of information, an ability to network across the globe, and interactive entertainment and socializing. On the other hand, the same properties are at risk of misuse to bully, to spread misinformation, and commit other acts of harm. The purpose of this chapter is to consider the theoretical and conceptual significance of studying cyberbullying from a family perspective. Our aim is to explain essential features of cyberbullying, to situate cyberbullying as a communication phenomenon, and propose important conceptual and theoretical frameworks in family communication (including trait verbal aggression, developmental assets, family rituals, family communication patterns theory, and inoculation theory) for future research. Our hope is that this chapter will inspire more work from a field well situated to better understand, study, and provide solutions for the destructive and harmful effects of cyberbullying.

Craig, E. A., Compton, J., & Luurs, G. (forthcoming). Cyberbullying and family communication theory and research. In G. Luurs (Ed.), Handbook of research on communication strategies for taboo topics. IGI Global. doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-9125-3