An Exploratory Analysis of Cyber-Harassment of K-12 Teachers by Parents in Public School Settings

Abstract

Although the topic of cyber-harassment in schools is one that has received significant media and research attention, much of that attention has been given to harassment against (and among) students. In this article, we examine responses from more than 5,700 public schoolteachers regarding their experiences with cyber-harassment by parents, a topic heretofore unexplored in the United States. Analyses suggest that victims of cyber-harassment are significantly more likely to teach in middle and high schools with large enrollments, be younger, and perceive their interactions with parents as largely negative. Implications for policy and future research are discussed.