A Survey of Online Harassment at a University Campus

TLDR

The study discusses implications for future research and policy/program development regarding online harassment at a university campus. The study found that 10–15% of 339 University of New Hampshire students reported repeated harassing emails or instant messages, over half received unwanted pornography, 7% reported incidents to authorities, harassment came from strangers, acquaintances, and significant others, and sexual minority students were more likely to be harassed by strangers, with no other demographic differences.

Abstract

This exploratory study of 339 students at the University of New Hampshire found that approximately 10% to 15% of students reported receiving repeated e-mail or Instant Messenger (I-M) messages that "threatened, insulted, or harassed," and more than half of the students received unwanted pornography. Approximately 7% of students reported online harassment to an authority. Messages originated from strangers, acquaintances, and significant others. No difference in online harassment was found based on demographic variables except sexual orientation. Sexual minority students were more likely to receive online harassment from strangers than were heterosexual students. Implications for further research and for policy/program development are discussed.