The role of moral disengagement and lack of empathy in cyberbullying: How school nurses can respond

Cyberbullying offers no escape for its victims and provides little opportunity for children and young people (CYP) to defend themselves. Many interventions relating to all forms of bullying focus primarily on victims and the negative effects that it causes toward their emotional health. There is a requirement, however, for school nurses (SNs) to develop an understanding of the differing roles CYP may adopt in the bullying process, in order for universal preventative interventions to be developed, in collaboration with schools and specialist agencies, which target all children. This article explores the risk factors associated with cyberbullying (e.g. moral disengagement and lack of empathy), both as a victim and perpetrator, and protective factors which could aid in the development of preventative intervention strategies for school nurses.