Cyber-aggression in adolescence and internet parenting styles: A study with victims, perpetrators and victim-perpetrators

Abstract

Cyber-aggression is the new form of interpersonal violence among adolescents. This study examines the prevalence of cyber-aggression and its differentiation in terms of adolescents’ sociodemographic characteristics and digital practices, as well as parenting styles experienced by four groups: non-violent, victim, perpetrator and victim-perpetrator Finally, we add an in-depth view of the predictors of becoming double involved. A sample of 627 adolescents (12- to 16-years-old) from schools in northern Portugal and the Azores answered two questionnaires. The results show that 63.1% reported being involved in cyber-aggression, with 31.1% admitting to being victim-perpetrators. Adolescent girls and younger adolescents, both girls and boys, characterized the non-violent and victims’ groups, whereas the perpetrators and victim-perpetrators groups were characterized by adolescent boys and older adolescents, both boys and girls. A higher frequency of information and communication technology use and cyber-practices/risks were associated with victim-perpetrators. Further, individuals in the non-violent group were more likely to perceive their parents’ parenting styles as authoritative and authoritarian and victim-perpetrators as permissive and laissez-faire. Additionally, laissez-faire parenting affects adolescents’ cyber-involvement. This relationship is, however, mediated by the frequency of adolescents’ cyber-practices/risks. Calling without justification, sending exaggerated messages of affection, sending insulting messages and sending pornographic images or messages were the most prevalent behaviours among the victim-perpetrators. Victimization-perpetration increased when adolescents published personal information, consulted erotic websites or arranged offline meetings with someone whom they had met online only. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.