Social networking and online self-disclosure as predictors of cyberbullying victimization among children and youth

Abstract

With mass acceptance and use of social networking sites (SNSs), many people now regularly disclose personal information via SNSs. Self-disclosure on SNSs has been connected to higher incidences of cyberbullying, which is concerning for children and youth who use SNSs. The current research aims to examine Internet and SNS activity, online self-disclosure and the education institution phase as predictors of cyberbullying victimization (CV), among children and youth. It was hypothesized that Internet and SNS activity, online self-disclosure and the education institution phase predict CV. Data were collected from 5719 primary and secondary Israeli students (51.9% females) during the 2019–2020 school year via online questionnaires. Regression analyses and moderation analysis were conducted to assess the predictability of CV from Internet and SNS activity, online self-disclosure and the education institution phase. Findings indicate that Internet and SNS activity, online self-disclosure and the education institution phase predict CV, both separately and in convergence. Additionally, CV is more prevalent in primary schools compared to secondary schools, and in male students compared to female students. Implications for school programs and guidelines for parents address the predictive factors of CV found. This study expands the knowledge of the impact of Internet and SNS activity and online self-disclosure on CV.