PLAIN LANGUAGE STATEMENT



TO: Adults in relation to cyberbullying



Full Project Title: Cyberbullying: Impact and protective factors among young adults.

Principal Researcher: Professor Gerard Kennedy

Student Researcher: Phillipa Brown



This letter is to invite you to participate in a research project, which examines the impacts of cyberbullying and the protective factors against cyber-victimisation. The study may assist future research in the area of cyberbullying and help to educate young adults about the reality of online victimization and harassment in order to prevent cyberbullying.



Whether you feel you have been a victim of online harassment, discrimination or been victimized in any way online or not, I would like to encourage you to take part in this survey. Possible benefits of participating in the study include the opportunity to learn about online bullying and victimization. With technology and online communication becoming increasingly part of our everyday lives, research shows that cyberbullying does not just apply to children. There are many adults dealing with online victimization every day.



You have been selected as a participant because you are aged 18 years or older and use the internet for various purposes.



The risks for this study are low; there are no legal, social economic or physical risks in this study. We do not expect that participants will experience any risk or harm from being involved in this study. However, should you become distressed the number for lifeline is 13 11 14.



Collected data is completely anonymous and you are free to withdraw from the survey at any point in time. The survey consists of 100 Questions, which will take you approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. The results of this project may be published in several scientific journals or conference papers. If you would like to receive a summary of the results of the report please email Professor Gerard Kennedy. You will not be paid for participation in this research study or reimbursed for any costs.



This project will be carried out according to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) produced by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. This statement has been developed to protect the interests of people who agree to participate in human research studies. The ethics aspects of this research project have been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Cairnmillar Institute.



If you require further information, wish to withdraw your participation or if you have any problems concerning this project (for example, any side effects), you can contact me or the research supervisor.



Phillipa Brown

Graduate Diploma of Psychology student

The Cairnmillar Institute

98133400

1535-15@cairnmillar.edu.au





Professor Gerard Kennedy

Principal researcher

Cairnmillar Institute of Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy

98133400

gerard.kennedy@cairnmillar.edu.au



If you have any complaints about any aspect of the project, the way it is being conducted or any questions about your rights as a research participant, then you may also contact:



Position: The Academic Registrar

The Cairnmillar Institute

993 Burke Rd

Camberwell 3124

Telephone: 98133400

Email: amber.hickin@cairnmillar.org.au.



Thank you for your time.

Phillipa Brown