EPA-0731 - How parenting style influences ict use and cyberbullying in a sample of secondary students in the UK

Abstract

Introduction Previous studies in other countries have reported that cyberbullying was related to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use. Helweg-Larsen, (2011) reported that knowledge about safe internet use did not decrease the prevalence of cyberbullying. Less is known about this relationship with family functioning. Objectives To examine the rates of cyberbullying and their relationships with ICT use and family functioning in a sample of secondary students in the UK Aims To study 1) associations between cyberbullying and ICT use 2) associations between family functioning and parental controls with ICT-use and cyberbullying. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire of 2218 secondary students was completed Measures included demographic data, ICT use (levels and nature), Olweus bullying questionnaire adapted for cyberbullying, General Functioning subscale of the Family Assessment Device and parental controls (type and levels). Results Response rate 80%, 45% males, mean (SD) age 14.97 (1.9) years. Cyberbullying seems to be related to the time spent online and to the general family functioning . Bullies or bully-victims spend significantly more time online than those who are not involved. The majority of students have been told how to be safe online; however only a few have parental controls on their computers. There is a significant positive correlation between worse family functioning and time spent online and with being involved in cyberbullying, even after controlling for the time spent online. Conclusions Our results suggest that increasing family communication may contribute to reduce children involvement in cyberbullying