Frequency of Victimization Experiences and Well-Being Among Online, Offline, and Combined Victims on Social Online Network Sites of German Children and Adolescents.

Michael Glüer,Arnold Lohaus

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2015.00274

Abstract

Victimization is associated with negative developmental outcomes in childhood and adolescence. However, previous studies have provided mixed results regarding the association between offline and online victimization and indicators of social, psychological, and somatic well-being. In this study, we investigated 1,890 German children and adolescents (grades 5–10, mean age = 13.9; SD = 2.1) with and without offline or online victimization experiences who participated in a social online network (SNS). Online questionnaires were used to assess previous victimization (offline, online, combined, and without), somatic and psychological symptoms, self-esteem, and social self-concept (social competence, resistance to peer influence, esteem by others). In total, 1,362 (72.1%) children and adolescents reported being a member of at least one SNS, and 377 students (28.8%) reported previous victimization. Most children and adolescents had offline victimization experiences (17.5%), whereas 2.7% reported online victimization, and 8.6% reported combined experiences. Girls reported more online and combined victimization, and boys reported more offline victimization. The type of victimization (offline, online, combined) was associated with increased reports of psychological and somatic symptoms, lower self-esteem and esteem by others, and lower resistance to peer influences. The effects were comparable for the groups with offline and online victimization. They were, however, increased in the combined group in comparison to victims with offline experiences alone.

Highlights

In Germany, about 11% of the children and adolescents in grades 5–10 experience victimization by bullying [1]
The research questions of this study focus on the proportion of offline, online, and combined victimization experiences of children and adolescents participating in a SNS
Children and adolescents reported more often combined compared to online victimization alone

Summary

Introduction

In Germany, about 11% of the children and adolescents in grades 5–10 experience victimization by bullying [1]. Bullying is defined as an “aggressive, intentional act carried out by a group or individual, repeatedly and over time against a victim who cannot defend him or herself ” [(2), p. Offline and Online Victimization Experiences Online Bullying. The definition of online bullying is similar to the definition of offline bullying. It is defined as “an aggressive, intentional act carried out by a group or individual, using electronic forms of contact” [(2), p. Online bullying shares some common characteristics with offline bullying like repetition, intention, and power imbalance, there are important differences [see Ref. Online bullying compared to offline bullying can be conducted 24 h a day via electronic media. Perceived anonymity is increased from the perspective of the perpetrator; the reward for engaging in online bullying is often delayed [5]

Methods

Results

Conclusion