Cyber Victimization Research Articles

Role of Cyber Bullying, Cyber Victimization in Self-Esteem Among Adolescence

Role of Cyber Bullying, Cyber Victimization in Self-Esteem Among Adolescence

Effectiveness of a Comprehensive School-Based Sex Education Program for Young Adolescents in the Netherlands.

Most sexual education programs traditionally focused on providing sexual information regarding the risks of sex. However, current studies on sexual behavior in youth show a need for truly comprehensive sex education approaches with a sex-positive focus on sexuality, that effectively improve sexual competence. Therefore, in the current study the effectiveness of "Love is…", a four lesson school-based program based on the Sexual Interactional Competence model and Attitude-Social-Influence-Self-Efficacy-model was studied. A cluster-randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of "Love is…" was conducted in 2018-2020. The sample consisted of 1160 adolescents in grades 8 and 9 from nine schools in the Netherlands. The sample was 48% female, 34% Dutch/Caucasian, 41% none-religious and 50% higher educated. They were randomized at class level into a program group [n = 32 classes; 567 students (Mage = 13.74 (SD = 0.74))] and a control group [n = 31 classes; 593 students (Mage = 13.86 (SD = 0.73))]. Results showed that "Love is…" increased sexual knowledge, that adolescents in the program group showed less cyber victim blaming attitudes and increased in communications skills after the program. In conclusion, the current study shows that "Love is…" was effective not only on the knowledge level, but also regarding sexual attitudes and competences. However, due to the developmental process of sexuality, there is a necessity to continue lessons in following grades through booster sessions by reinforcing competences as communicating comfortably about sexuality.On 12 November 2019 the study design and hypotheses were registered in the Dutch Trial Registration, number NL8150. ( https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/nl/trial/26676 ).

Associated factors and patterns of school bullying among school-aged adolescents in China: A latent class analysis

Adolescents involved in school bullying are a heterogeneous group. Yet less is known about school bullying patterns and their associated factors in social domains in China. The objective of the study was to use latent class analysis to identify patterns of school bullying involvement and to examine factors in individual, family, and school domains associated with each bullying pattern. Data were self-reported anonymously using a questionnaire completed by students from 3 middle schools and 4 high schools in a southern city in China (N = 13,166). A latent class analysis was conducted to identify involvement patterns in school bullying victimization and perpetration. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine factors in social domains associated with each pattern. Seven patterns of school bullying involvement were identified: Low Victim (14.5%), High Victim (4.4%), Sexual and Cyber Victim (2.5%), Physical Bully-Victim (1.4%), Verbal Bully-Victim (3.5%), All-Type Bully-Victim (3.3%) and Uninvolved (70.4%). Alcohol use, high frequency of using social networking sites, and distrusting people were associated with all bullying patterns (p <.05). Gender, grade level of schooling, boarding at school, cigarette smoking, being a class leader, poor academic performance, parents both working in other cities, poor relationships between family members, father’s/mother’s alcohol use, parental neglect, unpopularity at school, lack of feeling safe, and no close friends were each associated with at least one school bullying pattern (p <.05). Different types of school bullying victimization and perpetration co-occur among students and multiple social domain factors were associated with bullying patterns. Findings from this study suggest that consideration of the heterogeneity of school bullying and its associated factors are critical to developing targeted prevention interventions for different school bullying patterns.

Cyber victimization with increasing digitization during the COVID‐19 pandemic and coping strategies used by adolescents

AbstractPandemics, a current and important public health problem, can increase the risk of cyberbullying. Especially in adolescence, knowledge about coping with this type of victimization is limited. This study aimed to reveal the cyberbullying victimization experiences of adolescents with the increased digitalization during the pandemic and the coping strategies they employed. The study is a descriptive and cross‐sectional study. The research sample consists of adolescents (n = 344). The data were collected online using Personal Information Form, Cyber Victim Scale, and Coping with Cyberbullying Scale. The mean Cyber Victim Scale score of the adolescents was 21.97 ± 5.83, and the mean Coping with Cyberbullying Scale score was 63.33 ± 9.06. It was found that the increase in the frequency of Internet use, the change in the purpose of Internet use during the pandemic, and the sharing of the negative experiences with others negatively affect cyber victimization (p &lt; 0.05). In today's world where digitalization is increasing, it is recommended to provide interdisciplinary trainings to adolescents, to include families in various trainings with school–family cooperation, and to receive support from nurses in this process.

Correction to: Cyberbullying and cyber victimization: examining mediating roles of empathy and resilience

Correction to: Cyberbullying and cyber victimization: examining mediating roles of empathy and resilience

Prevalence and Pattern of Traditional Bullying, Amongst Secondary School Students in Yenagoa, Nigeria

Introduction: Traditional bullying (face to face bullying, that occurs within or around the school premises) among secondary school students is a persistent global public health problem; with varying long lasting mental, physical and academic consequences, not only on the victims but also the bullies and bystanders. It is a common phenomenon that is not limited to physical harm and manifests in many forms such as, verbal, or relational aggression, social exclusion and cyber victims of bullying. Bullying is commonly embedded in power imbalances and can be a call for help from the bullies. Development of an efficient prevention and intervention strategy requires understanding of the causes (family issues, low self esteem or lack of positive role models) of traditional bullying. This study therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern oftraditional bullying among secondaryschool students in Yenagoa Local Government, Bayelsa State Nigeria, which would aid development and implementation of appropriate antibullying policies. Methods: Adescriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2021to December 2021. Selection of the 1,108 students aged between 10-21years was done by a two-stage sampling technique. The 46-item Bully Survey questionnaire adapted in 2003 by Swearer et al was utilized for data collection. Quantitative data was summarised using descriptive statistics.Test of association was done using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests andbinomial logistic regression analysis was also done to examine associations between variables, withp-value of &lt;0.05 considered significant. Results: Prevalence rates of 40.3%, 81.3%, and 86.3% were foundfor bullying perpetration, victimization and bystander respectively. Verbal bullying such as hauling of insults was the most common form of bullying behaviourperpetrated (64.8%); with sexual bullying being the least type observed (20%). Both bullying perpetration (46.9%) and victimization (88.3%) were significantly more common among female participants, while being a bullying bystander (99.4%) was commoner among male participants.Participants from junior classes were twice as more likely to perpetrate bullying(odds ratio[OR]:2.053, confidence interval[CI]:0.896-4.705). Also, those in schools with no anti-bullying policies were 1.26times more likely to be perpetrators of bullying ([OR] 1.269; CI: 0.229-7.031). School Class (p = 0.030) and absence of anti-bullying policy (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with bullying perpetration in the studied schools. Conclusion: The prevalence of traditional bullying among secondary school students in Yenagoa was very high. Wetherefore recommended that school authorities and the government should formulate appropriate school anti-bullying policies and implement same in order to curb the menace while shielding the weak groups from being victims of bullying in school.

Prevalence and predisposing factors of peer bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents: A cross-sectional study

The present study aimed to determine the proportion and predisposing factors of peer bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents. A cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of 1548 students (aged 14–17 years) from two high schools in a city center. The data were collected via a questionnaire, the Peer Bullying Scale Adolescent Form, and the Cyber Victim and Bullying Scale between May and June 2022. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data. The rate of peer bullying and cyberbullying behaviors was 15.3 % and 15.2 %, respectively. Boys were more prone to peer bullying and cyberbullying than girls. Both boys and girls with poor/moderate academic achievement, ninth and tenth graders, and those with poor/moderate friendships were more likely to be peer bullies and cyberbullies. The current study revealed that peer bullying and cyberbullying rates were similar among adolescents. Gender, academic year, academic achievement, and friendship relationships were found to be predisposing factors of peer bullying and cyberbullying. The results of this study could help to enhance an understanding of the severity of peer bullying and cyberbullying. Health professionals could implement programs to develop adolescents’ resilience, communication, social, assertiveness, and coping skills. They could collaborate with educators and parents to encourage appropriate behavior in adolescents.

Longitudinal antecedents and consequences of ethnic, cyber and offline victimization

ABSTRACT Taking a socio-ecological theoretical perspective, the present study (1) examined the concurrent and longitudinal associations between offline, cyber, and ethnic victimization, and (2) investigated whether the same or different intra- and interpersonal variables are longitudinal risk or protective factors. A three-wave longitudinal study including 630 adolescents (50% boys, 12.52 years at wave 1, 7% first and 14% second generation immigrant) was utilized. Cross lagged panel models showed that neither offline victimization nor cyber victimization predicted ethnic victimization longitudinally. Positive peer relations, good class climate, high levels of school bonding, high levels of school motivation and high levels of self-efficacy at the beginning of grade 7 were protective factors for low levels of ethnic, cyber, and offline victimization at the end of grade 7. However, only high levels of ethnic victimization at the beginning of grade 7 were also risk factors for low levels of positive peer relations, school bonding and school motivation at the end of grade 7. Ethnic victimization at the end of grade 8 could not be predicted prospectively. Considering its unique negative consequences within grade 7, it is important to give ethnic victimization a special attention in anti-bullying programs.

All by myself: examining social media’s effect on social withdrawal and the mediating roles of moral disengagement and cyberaggression

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how the constructs of false self, preference for online social interaction (POSI), compulsive internet use (CIU), and online disinhibition affect social withdrawal in a social media context. The mediating effects of moral disengagement and cyber aggression are also tested.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using an online survey (n = 533) from consumers in Japan. This study used structural equation modeling and PROCESS to examine the proposed relationships.FindingsThe study revealed that false self positively affects moral disengagement while online disinhibition positively affects cyber aggression and moral disengagement. Preference for online social interaction and compulsive internet use both positively impacts social withdrawal. Cyber aggression and moral disengagement were established mediators between false self/ Preference for online social interaction/ compulsive internet use/ online disinhibition and social withdrawal.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough restricted to cyberaggression, owing to the reciprocal relationship between cyber victimization and cyberaggression, cyber victimization can be included for further study. This study expands the understanding of social withdrawal within the context of social media.Practical implicationsBased on the findings, policies and programs that address mental health that build self-esteem, self-confidence and reduce anxiety ought to be undertaken. Managing and formulating guidelines on anonymity should also be taken into consideration.Originality/valueThis research demonstrates the crucial constructs that affect social media users negatively from the aspects of cyberaggression, moral disengagement and social withdrawal. It also establishes the importance of mental health in reducing adverse effects from social media.

Кибербуллинг в подростковом возрасте: агрессор и жертва

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;The following research analyses the results of the empirical study conducted among adolescents showing high levels of cyberbullying and their peers prone to cyber victimization. The theoretical basis for the purpose of the following research is represented by the modern studies and their conflicting profiling of the personality features specific for adolescents prone to bullying as well as victimization in cyberspace. The case study is represented by a group of eighth and ninth grade students studying in Moscow schools, the respondents were divided into three groups: those showing high levels of cyberbullying (N=29), those showing distinct cyber victim behavior (N=34), and those showing standard behavior in this area (N=30). The research is based on the following studies and methodologies: Multifactorial personality questionnaire (14 PF) by R.B. Cattell, &amp;laquo;Level of subjective control&amp;raquo; test by V.F. Bazhin, E.A. Golynkina, A.M. Atkind and test by A.V. Zverkov, E.V. Eydman&amp;rsquo;s "Study of voluntary self-regulation". The research has identified similar features specific for adolescents showing clear signs of cyberbullying as well as cyber victim behavior: low levels of emotional stability and self-control, external locus of control, reduced levels of internality in interpersonal relationships. The research also identifies specific personality features distinct for each group. The data collected in this study can be applied when developing programs to prevent cyberbullying among adolescents.&lt;/p&gt;

Cyberbullying Victimization, Perpetration and Psychosomatic Health Symptoms among Students in a Ghanaian University

Cyberbullying as deviant behavior is a growing public health concern and affects cyber victims in many ways. This study sought to examine cyberbullying victimization, perpetration, and psychosomatic health symptoms (PHS) among students in a Ghanaian university. The aim was to explore the extent of cyberbullying among students and the association between demographic factors and cyberbullying victimization, perpetration, and PHS of cyberbully victims. The study was a cross-sectional survey of 420 students in a public university in Ghana. The survey results show that female students were less likely than male students to suffer from cybervictimization. There was no gender difference in cyberbullying perpetration and experiencing PHS. Also, students from intact families were less likely to be victimized than students from single-parent families. Bystanders who tried to intervene in cybervictimization were less inclined to perpetrate cyberbullying but were more likely to experience PHS when cyberbullied. Students who lived alone or with friends were four times more likely to experience PHS after being cyberbullied. These findings point to the far-reaching effects of cyberbullying and the need for educators and other stakeholders to devise policies to mitigate the phenomenon and put in place structures to help cyberbully victims.

A Short-Term Longitudinal Examination of Willingness to Confide in a Friend about Being Cyber Victimized

Research consistently documents negative consequences for children who are cyber victims, underscoring the need to examine effective management. Disclosure to friends about cyber victimization is advocated; however, research is limited. The present research examined willingness to disclose to friends about being cyber victimized for fourth graders and evaluated the subsequent frequency of cyber victimization when in grade 5 (N = 207). Three groups in Grade 4 were identified: No Victimization, Victimization/No Tell, and Victimization/Tell. Children in the Victimization/Tell group reported a significantly lower frequency of cyber victimization a year later. The Victimization/No Tell group of children did not report a statistically reduced frequency of cyber victimization. The number of classroom mutual friends was ruled out as an explanation. This research supports the use of a strategy for children confiding with friends to reduce subsequent cyber victimization.

A Latent Profile Analysis of the Consensual and Non-Consensual Sexting Experiences among Canadian Adolescents.

Different patterns of sexting behaviors were examined to provide a more nuanced understanding of the context in which sexting occurs among adolescents. Participants were 1,000 Canadian adolescents (50.2% girls) between 12 and 18 years (Mage = 15.21, SD = 2.00) who completed measures of sexting, cyber bullying and victimization, problematic social media use, self-regulation, and demographics. Contrary to our hypotheses, three latent profiles of sexting represented the frequency of sexting rather than whether the sexting was consensual versus non-consensual or with a partner versus non-partner. Participants in the moderate and high sexting profiles representing one fifth of youth, reported less self-regulation, experienced more cyber victimization, and engaged in more cyber bullying and problematic social media use than those in the no/low sexting profile. Our findings support the normalcy approach to education, which considers some sexting among healthy developmental behaviors.

The Right to Cyberbully? A Gendered Analysis During COVID-19 in Malaysia

This paper explores the rhetoric of cyberbullying with a focus on Malaysian female influencers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research objectives entailed identifying various critical rhetoric and attacks against female influencers on digital platforms, understanding diverse levels of cyberbullying experienced by influencers from different backgrounds, and analysing reasons behind online aggressive behaviours. The study's theoretical framework contributes to intersectionality theory by examining how the COVID-19 context shapes nuances in Female Cyber Victimisation. Methodologically, the research employs critical discourse analysis to study language in online comments and responses reflecting cyberbullying against Malaysian female influencers. The analysis covers social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) and forums (Hardware Zone, Lowyat.net, Cari.com.my), focusing on cyberbullying content over two years. Three prominent Malaysian female influencers targeted by cyberbullying namely Cathryn Li, Veveonah and Ain Husniza were selected for their distinct demographics and contexts, showcasing varying cyberbullying rhetoric. Findings reveal male internet commenters' presumptions about female influencers are shaped by religion and modesty perceptions. Influencers challenging gender norms face escalated negativity. Cathryn Li, perceived as less modest and non-Muslim, faced extensive derogatory comments affecting her mental health. Ain Husniza faced mockery due to her Malay Muslim background, while Veveonah was targeted for political motives. Rooted in conservative gender roles, societal expectations contribute to targeting female influencers, resulting in ridicule and harassment. These cases underscore the intricate interplay of gender, cultural norms, and online harassment, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive interventions to combat cyberbullying and safeguard the well-being of female influencers. Keywords: COVID-19, cyberbullying, gender, influencers, female cyber victimization.

A REVIEW OF RESEARCH ON CYBERVICTIMIZATION AND CYBERAGGRESSION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS WITH A FOCUS ON ADHD

More and more attention is being paid to the prevalence of technology in everyday life. The rise of digital means of communication naturally leads to increased cyber victimization, including various forms of online aggression and victimization. Limited knowledge exists regarding the potential vulnerability of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders to cyber activities. The objective of this research is to comprehensively review and synthesize existing literature on cybervictimization and cyberaggression, with a specific focus on individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly those with ADHD. We conducted a systematic review of studies investigating the relationship between neurodevelopmental disorders and cybervictimization/ cyberaggression. An analysis of the reviewed studies suggests that factors such as impulsivity, heightened frustration, and poor social skills may elevate the risk of cybervictimization/cyberaggression among individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Overall, we aim to emphasize the significance of future research in understanding the association between neurodevelopmental disorders and cybervictimization/cyberaggression, thereby enhancing our understanding of the risk factors and consequences associated with these detrimental phenomena.

Cyberbullying Victimization and Perpetration in South Korean Youth: Structural Equation Modeling and Latent Means Analysis

This study explores the relationship between cyberbullying perception, social support, internet use time, cybercrime victimization, and cybercrime perpetration for adolescents by using a nationally representative sample—the 2020 Cyber Violence Survey ( N = 4,958, Grades 4–12) in South Korea. Findings include: (1) higher perceptions of cybercrime correspond to a lower likelihood of cyberbullying victimization, (2) greater support from parents and friends decreases the likelihood of cyberbullying victimization and perceptions, (3) Internet usage time is linked to increased chances of experiencing cyberbullying, (4) a significant positive relationship exists between cyber victimization and perpetration, and (5) levels of school management are associated with student cyber safety. Mitigating victimization via early intervention/prevention programs at school were discussed.

School Belongingness as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Self-Reported PTSD and Cyber Victimization: Sex Differences.

The incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Traumatized adolescents might cope with maladaptive strategies such as increased Internet usage, which might be a risk for cyber victimization. We investigated the relationship between self-reported PTSD and cyber victimization and the mediator role of school belongingness in this relationship. The sample consisted of 292 adolescents ages 11-14 years old (M = 12.53, SD = 0.71; nfemale = 165, 56.1%; nmale = 129, 43.9%). Results show that males are more likely to be cyber victims and have lower levels of school belongingness than females. In addition, results supported the association between higher levels of PTSD and higher levels of cyber victimization. Traumatized adolescents with high levels of school belongingness are less likely to be cyber victims. These findings highlight the importance of school-related personal and relational characteristics in promoting adolescent mental health.

What Hurts Most? A Comparison of College Students' Perceptions of Cyber and Traditional Victimization

Although the research literature has demonstrated that cyber victimization is associated with a variety of negative psychological and social consequences, the support for the uniqueness of cyber bullying as distinct from traditional bullying is mixed. The current study conducted a quasi-experimental comparison of college students' perceptions of the anticipated hurt and reputational ramifications of cyber and traditional victimization. Generally, students rated the negative implications of cyber bullying as similar to those of traditional bullying. As exceptions, participants perceived greater hurt associated with face-to-face "flaming" behavior compared to experiencing the same situation online. Regardless of modality, "flaming" victimization was considered to be the least harmful emotionally and to the reputation, while "outing" was considered to be the most harmful. Finally, personal experiences with traditional victimization and poorer self-esteem were associated with perceptions of more emotional harm, or perceived hurt, associated with traditional victimization. However, among those with personal histories of traditional bullying, men were more likely than women to anticipate being hurt by cyber bullying. In summary, the type of victimization may be more important than the modality (online versus face-to-face).

Social media use in adolescent girls with depression: The relationship between social media use purposes, lack of social support, and cyber victimization

Objective: Our study examined the relationship between purpose of social media use, perceived social support, and cyberbullying&#x0D; among adolescent girls with or without major depressive disorder (MDD).&#x0D; Patients and Methods: Fifty-two adolescent girls aged 13-18 years with a diagnosis of MDD were recruited. The control group consisted&#x0D; of 51 adolescents who were matched for age and gender. The adolescents completed a sociodemographic form, the Childhood&#x0D; Depression Inventory (CDI), the Social Media Attitude Scale (SMAS), the Cyberbullying Scale (CBS), and the Social Support Appraisal&#x0D; Scale for Children (SSAS).&#x0D; Results: Social media use was significantly higher among adolescent girls with MDD (P

Routine citizen Internet practices and cyber victimization: a state-wide study in Virginia

ABSTRACT Cybercrime has become a major societal concern, and a better understanding OF cybercrime is needed to target and prevent it more effectively, minimize its consequences, and provide support for victims. Research on cybercrime victimization has exploded in the past few years, but much of it relies on convenience samples and is largely descriptive in nature. The research presented here involves the collection of data from a large sample of Virginia households in 2022 (n = 1,206). The data are analyzed to provide a partial test of routine activity theory to better understand fraud and theft via the Internet. The data provide a solid baseline for describing the extent of cyber victimization across the state. Bivariate and multivariate analyses (logistic regressions) show support for routine activity theory and provide important insights for future research. In particular, we find that certain routine Internet activities may better predict unique forms of cybervictimization than others and that length of time on the Internet is not a good indicator of exposure to motivated offenders. Further, protective guardianship mediates the effects of exposure to motivated offenders; thus, efforts to educate the public on best practices are needed. We conclude that to better assess cybercrime, victimization and engagement, better measurement and longitudinal panel data will be needed.