Here is the research we’ve found on cyberbullying in Spain, with the most recent first. Please email us if you have any articles to add with the details ordered in the same format as the others.
Authors: Vicente J. Llorent, Adriana Diaz-Chaves, Izabela Zych, Estera Twardowska-Staszek & Inmaculada Marín-López
Year: 2021
Title: Bullying and Cyberbullying in Spain and Poland, and Their Relation to Social, Emotional and Moral Competencies
Journal: School Mental Health
URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12310-021-09473-3
Abstract: Bullying and cyberbullying have been intensively studied in many countries, and research on the topic has been fruitful. Nevertheless, it is still necessary to advance knowledge on bullying and cyberbullying in many geographical areas and to discover their risk and protective factors. The objective of this study was to describe and compare the involvement in different bullying and cyberbullying roles in Spain and Poland, identifying risk and protective factors such as moral disengagement, social and emotional competencies, moral emotions and empathy. This study was carried out with a sample of 2535 primary and secondary school students from Spain and Poland. More bullying and cyberbullying involvement were found in Poland in comparison with Spain. Different moral disengagement mechanisms were found to be risk factors for involvement in bullying and cyberbullying in both countries. Low moral emotions were a risk factor for bullying and cyberbullying perpetration in Spain and Poland. Different social and emotional competencies were protective against bullying and cyberbullying in both countries. These results suggest the need to design and implement more programs to promote social, emotional and moral competencies in Spain and Poland to protect children against bullying and cyberbullying.
Authors: Jan Philipp Czakert, Julia Reif, Sharon Glazer, and Rita Berger
Year: 2021
Title: Adaptation and Psychometric Cross-Cultural Validation of a Workplace Cyberbullying Questionnaire in Spain and Germany
Journal: Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking
URL: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/cyber.2020.0856
Abstract: As nonessential workers are working from home and connected to colleagues through means of computer technology, cyberbullying, which has only recently been investigated in workplace settings, is likely to become more prevalent. Organizations are also reconsidering work structures that would keep workers remote. Workplace cyberbullying (WCB) can have a detrimental impact on victims’ mental health, more than traditional face-to-face bullying. However, there is a dearth of validated assessments to monitor WCB for use in different countries. The Cyberbullying Behavior Questionnaire Short version (CBQ-S) from Jönsson et al. is a validated short scale that seems simple and practical enough to integrate in widely applied multiscale employee surveys. Previously, the CBQ-S has been only validated in Sweden (in the Swedish language) and United States (in English). This study performs a construct validation of the CBQ-S in Spain (in Spanish) and Germany (in German), to equip businesses and organizations operating in those countries with an effective valid tool to measure WCB. Two hundred nine German and 249 Spanish workers (N = 458) participated in a cross-sectional survey. Exploratory and multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses suggested a one-dimensional structure of the scale, supporting configural invariance; metric and partial scalar invariance was also supported. Latent means differences revealed significantly higher mean scores for the Spanish sample (Cohen’s d = 0.61). WCB correlated positively with workplace bullying, supporting concurrent convergent validity. WCB also correlated positively with role conflict, role ambiguity, bullying in general, stress, turnover intention, and negatively with job satisfaction, indicating criterion validity.
Authors: Fernando Fajardo-Bullón, Irina Rasskin-Gutman, Jesús Redondo Pacheco , Benito León-del Barco, Beatriz Burguillo, and Elena Felipe-Castaño
Year: 2021
Title: Analysis of mental health in cyberbullying victims and perpetrators in Spanish and Colombian adolescents
Journal: Revista Latinoamericana de Psicología
Abstract: Due to the advance of information and communication technologies, children may be exposed to the phenomenon known as cyberbullying. The abundant literature and existing research confirm the interest that the consequences of cyberbullying can provoke in the mental health of adolescents. The aims of this work were: (1) To compare the figures of the difficulties in mental health and cyberbullying in adolescents from Spain and Colombia, (2) To analyse the relationship between mental health and being a high degree cyber-perpetrator or cyber-victim owing to mobile phones and Internet, in both countries. A cross-sectional study was employed, in which 1,080 students from Colombia (11 to 17 years old) and 430 students from Spain (12 to 17 years old) participated through the SDQ, CYBVYC and CYBAGRESS questionnaires. T student, correlations, and the Kruskal Wallis test were used. Difficulties in Emotional symptoms, Conduct problems, Hyperactivity, Peer problems, and the Total difficulties scores were higher in Colombia than in Spain. Colombian adolescents scored higher in cyber-victimization (CYBVYC-Internet) and cyber-perpetration (CYBAGRESS) than Spanish adolescents. However, cyber-victimisation (CYBVYC-Mobile) by way of mobile phone was higher in Spain. Moreover, those who had serious victim and serious perpetrator profiles (scores equal to or higher than the 95th percentile in the CYBAGRESS and CYBVYC scales) presented higher difficulties in Emotional symptoms, Conduct problems, Hyperactivity, and Peer problems than those who were not classified as pertaining to those profiles, in both countries. A positive and direct correlation between difficulties in mental health, cyber-victimisation, and cyber-perpetration exist, regardless of Internet or mobile phone use. Conclusions: Results show how cyberbullying has similar effects on the mental health of Spanish and Colombian teenagers. Finally, there exists a relationship between being a cyberbullying victim or perpetrator and obtaining a higher total score in mental health difficulties among adolescents in both countries.
Authors: Silvia Gabrielli, Silvia Rizzi, Sara Carbone, and Enrico Maria Piras
Year: 2021
Title: School Interventions for Bullying–Cyberbullying Prevention in Adolescents: Insights from the UPRIGHT and CREEP Projects
Journal: Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health
URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/21/11697
Abstract: Background: Several challenges and emotional demands characterize adolescence, affecting the mental well-being of youths. Among these, bullying and cyberbullying are recognized nowadays as a major social problem, affecting more than one-third of adolescents, with extensive negative consequences for the victims involved, such as lower self-esteem, increased loneliness, depression, and anxiety. School programs and interventions that foster resilience, coping, and well-being are particularly important during adolescence as protective and preventive factors against the consequences of (cyber)bullying. The paper presents two recent co-designed interventions for (cyber)bullying prevention deployed in Europe, targeting early adolescents and their school communities. Methods: The UPRIGHT project developed an evidence-based, whole-school intervention to train resilience as a protective factor to promote mental well-being in adolescents, in a cross-national perspective. The CREEP project designed and implemented digital interventions to support schools in (i) early detection of cyberbullying events on social media and (ii) coaching adolescents (victims, bullies, bystanders) on how to cope with (cyber)bullying behaviors. Results: The main challenges and insights collected during the design and implementation of both interventions are discussed to inform future research and practice. Conclusion: The feasibility and acceptance of prevention programs are key to the reducing risk of (cyber)bullying and improving the psychological well-being of early adolescents.
Authors: Roman, A., Rad, D., Egerau, A., Dixon, D., Dughi, T., Kelemen, G., Balas, E., and Rad, G.
Year: 2020
Title: Physical Self-Schema Acceptance and Perceived Severity of Online Aggressiveness in Cyberbullying Incidents
Journal: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Education
URL: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1267138.pdf
Abstract: In the present study, physical self-schema referred to the perceived body image youths have over their physical appearance. Using a two-item online questionnaire, the study analyzed the effect of physical self-schema acceptance on perceived severity of online aggressiveness in cyberbullying. Five hundred and seven students from Belgium, Spain, Romania, and Turkey participated in the survey. The results suggest that when mapping effects of physical self-schema acceptance on perceived negative effect of online aggressiveness, the curvilinear interaction model (2%) is more robust than the linear interaction model (0.8%), when both models are statistically significant.
Authors: Antonio J. Rodríguez-Hidalgo ,Oswaldo Mero , Eva Solera , Mauricio Herrera-López , Juan Calmaestra
Year: 2020
Title: Prevalence and psychosocial predictors of cyberaggression and cybervictimization in adolescents: A Spain-Ecuador transcultural study on cyberbullying
Journal: Plos One
URL: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0241288
Abstract: The present study aims to collect data about the prevalence of cyberbullying and the role of self-esteem, empathy, and social skills in predicting cybervictimization and cyberaggression in two different countries: Spain and Ecuador. Additionally, it compares the similarities found in both countries. A wide sample of adolescents from Secondary Education (N = 24943; mean age = 13.92; SD = 1.30, girls = 49.9%) from both countries (Spain = 14,206 and Ecuador = 10,737) took part by filling in a set of self-reports. Weighted analyses and structural equation models were used. The results revealed that 8.8% were cybervictims, 3.1% were cyberaggressors and 4.9% cybervictims-cyberaggressors in Spain; whereas 8.7% were cybervictims, 5.1% were cyberaggressors and 14.3% were cybervictims-cyberaggressors in Ecuador. Cybervictimization could be predicted in both countries by means of self-deprecation and social skills, although the meaning of some skills was different depending on the country. Cyberaggression could be predicted in both countries by means of empathy, assertiveness, and conflict-resolution skills, as well as by communicative and relational skills. Self-deprecation was a predictor of cyberaggression only in Spain. These results are discussed, and educational inferences are drawn for prevention.
Authors: Theodoros N. Sergentanis, Sofia D. Bampalitsa, Paraskevi Theofilou, Eleni Panagouli, Elpis Vlachopapadopoulou, Stefanos Michalacos, Alexandros Gryparis, Loretta Thomaidis, Theodora Psaltopoulou, Maria Tsolia, Flora Bacopoulou, and Artemis Tsitsika
Year: 2020
Title: Cyberbullying and Obesity in Adolescents: Prevalence and Associations in Seven European Countries of the EU NET ADB Survey
Journal: Childhood and Adolescent Obesity and Weight Management
URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/8/3/235
Abstract: Background: overweight and obese individuals may often face aggressive messages or comments on the internet. This study attempts to evaluate the association between cyberbullying victimization and overweight/obesity in adolescents participating in the European Network for Addictive Behavior (EU NET ADB) survey. Methods: a school-based cross-sectional study of adolescents aged 14–17.9 years was conducted (n = 8785) within the EU NET ADB survey, including data from seven European countries (Germany, Greece, Iceland, the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, Spain). Complex samples and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: overall, overweight adolescents were more likely to have been cyberbullied compared to their normal weight peers (adjusted OR (Odds ratio) = 1.20, CI (confidence intervals): 1.01–1.42); this association was pronounced in Germany (adjusted OR = 1.58, CI: 1.11–2.25). In Iceland, obese adolescents reported cyberbullying victimization more frequently compared to their normal weight peers (adjusted OR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.00–8.19). No significant associations with cyberbullying victimization were identified either for obese or overweight adolescents in Greece, Spain, Romania, Poland, and the Netherlands. Conclusions: this study reveals an overall association between cyberbullying victimization and overweight on the basis of a sizable, representative sample of adolescent population from seven European countries. Country-specific differences might reflect differential behavioral perceptions, but also normalization aspects.
Authors: Buelga, S., Postigo, J., Martínez-Ferrer, B., Cava, M., & Ortega-Barón, J.
Year: 2020
Title: Cyberbullying among Adolescents: Psychometric Properties of the CYB-AGS Cyber-Aggressor Scale.
Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093090
Abstract: The present study aims to analyze the psychometric properties of the revised version of the Adolescent Cyber-Aggressor scale (CYB-AGS). This scale is composed of 18 items that measure direct and indirect cyberbullying. A cross-sectional study was conducted using two independent samples of adolescents. The first sample included 1318 adolescents (52.6% girls) from 12 to 16 years old (M = 13.89, SD = 1.32). The second sample included 1188 adolescents (48.5% boys) from 12 to 16 years old (M = 14.19, SD = 1.80). First, to study the psychometric properties of the CYB-AGS, exploratory factor analysis was performed on Sample 1. Results indicated a two-factor structure: direct cyber-aggression and indirect cyber-aggression. Second, to verify the structure of the CYB-AGS, we selected Sample 2 to conduct confirmatory factor analysis and test the scale’s convergent validity with theoretically-related measures. Results confirmed the reliability and validity of the two-dimensional model. Moreover, measurement invariance was established. Finally, regarding convergent validity, positive correlations were obtained between cyberbullying and aggressive behaviors in school, anger expression, negative attitudes towards school, and transgression of norms. Furthermore, negative correlations were found between cyberbullying and attitudes towards institutional authority.
Authors: Gudmundsdottir, G. B., Gassó, H. H., Rubio, J. C. C., & Hatlevik, O. E.
Year: 2020
Title: Student teachers’ responsible use of ICT: Examining two samples in Spain and Norway.
Journal: Computers & Education
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2020.103877
Abstract: Information and communication technology (ICT) has become an important component of initial teacher education (ITE) in Europe and in the continuous professional development of practicing teachers. The development of professional digital competence (PDC) is emerging as an essential part of teacher education. Due to the increasing use of ICT and the growing number of online teaching and learning resources, the responsible use of ICT has become one of the key aspects of PDC. For the purpose of this paper, the responsible use of ICT includes privacy issues, cyberbullying and the ability to evaluate digital content. We examine Spanish and Norwegian student teachers’ perceived competence in privacy issues and in handling cyberbullying and their ability to evaluate digital content. In a survey conducted in autumn 2017, 681 Spanish and 563 Norwegian first-year student teachers in Spain and Norway answered questions on the responsible use of ICT. The findings show that in both countries the three concepts are recognised as distinct and that there is a positive relationship between student teachers’ perceived understanding of the concepts. This implies that these concepts should be taught as separate components of PDC. However, it is challenging to compare student teachers’ perceived knowledge of the concepts across two countries and to create an integration model that fit both countries. This is partly due to cultural and language differences. The study provides a baseline in terms of knowledge about responsible use at the participating universities. It also details general implications for policy, practice and ITE programmes.
Authors: Ortega-Barón, J., Buelga, S., Ayllón, E., Martínez-Ferrer, B., & Cava, M.
Year: 2019
Title: Effects of Intervention Program Prev@cib on Traditional Bullying and Cyberbullying.
Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16040527
Abstract: Due to the negative consequences of being bullied and the increase in cyberbullying among adolescents, there is a need for evidence-based programs to prevent and intervene in these types of peer violence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Prev@cib bullying and cyberbullying program, drawing on three theoretical frameworks: the ecological model, empowerment theory, and the model of personal and social responsibility. The Prev@cib program was evaluated using a repeated-measures pre-post-test design with an experimental group and a control group. The sample consisted of 660 adolescents between 12 and 17 years old (M = 13.58, SD = 1.26), randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Repeated-measures ANOVA of pre-post-test scores were conducted. Results showed a significant decrease in bullying and victimization and cyberbullying and cybervictimization in the experimental group, compared to the control group, indicating that the Prev@cib program is effective in reducing bullying and cyberbullying. Taking into account the harmful effects of these types of violence, the results have important implications in the prevention of these behaviors because they provide scientific evidence of the program’s effectiveness.
Authors: Buelga, S., Martínez-Ferrer, B., Cava, M., & Ortega-Barón, J.
Year: 2019
Title: Psychometric Properties of the CYBVICS Cyber-Victimization Scale and Its Relationship with Psychosocial Variables.
Journal: Social Sciences
URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci8010013
Abstract: The main goal of the present study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the revised version of the Adolescent Cyber-Victimization Scale (CYBVICS). This scale is composed of 18 items that assess direct and indirect cyber-victimization. Two subsamples participated in the present study. Sample 1 included 1318 adolescents (47.4% boys) from 12 to 16 years old (M = 13.89, SD = 1.32). Sample 2 was composed of 1188 adolescents (51.5% girls) from 12 to 16 years old (M = 14.19, SD = 1.80). First, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted on sample 1. Results yielded a bifactor structure: direct cyber-victimization and indirect cyber-victimization. To confirm the structure of the CYBVICS, we selected sample 2 to perform confirmatory factor analysis and test its convergent validity with theoretically related measures. The results supported the reliability and validity of the two-factor model. In addition, measurement invariance was established. Related to convergent validity, positive correlations between cyber-victimization and peer victimization, depressive symptoms, and offensive communication with the mother and the father were found. Moreover, negative correlations were found between cyber-victimization and open communication with the mother and the father and family self-esteem.
Authors: Martínez-Ferrer, B., León-Moreno, C., Musitu-Ferrer, D., Romero-Abrio, A., Callejas-Jerónimo, J., & Musitu-Ochoa, G.
Year: 2019
Title: Parental Socialization, School Adjustment and Cyber-Aggression among Adolescents.
Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16204005
Abstract: The objective of the present study is to analyse the relationships between parental socialization styles—indulgent, authoritarian, authoritative and negligent, school adjustment (social integration, academic competence and family involvement) and cyber-aggression (direct and indirect) in adolescents. Participating in this study were 1304 Spanish students of both sexes (53.1% girls), aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 13.87, SD = 1.33). Multivariate analyses of variance were performed. The results showed significant relationships between parental socialization styles, school adjustment and cyber-aggression. It was observed that adolescents from indulgent and authoritative families showed greater academic competence and greater family involvement. Additionally, the children from authoritarian families displayed greater involvement in direct and indirect cyber-aggression behaviours. The results obtained and their implications are discussed in the final section.
Authors: Zych, I., Baldry, A. C., Farrington, D. P., Llorent, V. J.
Year: 2019
Title: Are children involved in cyberbullying low on empathy? A systematic review and meta-analysis of research on empathy versus different cyberbullying roles
Journal: Aggression and Violent Behavior
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2018.03.004
Abstract: Cyberbullying is a relatively new aggressive behavior in which young people repeatedly and intentionally inflict harm on peers, using electronic devices. Cyberbullying has very damaging consequences and studies on the topic are increasing. Nevertheless, there are still gaps in sound knowledge regarding factors that could protect children from being cyberbullies or cybervictims. The current systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to overcome limitations of previous studies on risk factors to establish if and how empathy is related to the different cyberbullying roles. After exhaustive searches with rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, 25 studies were included. Cyberbullying perpetration was found to be related to low empathy (OR = 1.5) and this relationship held also after controlling for covariates (OR = 1.3) but cybervictimization was not significantly related to empathy (OR = 0.94). There were some indications that cybervictims could have high affective empathy (OR = 0.83), but more research is needed to clarify this relationship. Results are presented also separately for the relationship between affective and cognitive empathy and different cyberbullying roles. There were not enough studies to draw conclusions about the relationship between empathy and being a cyberbully/victim or defender, but some tendencies were found and described. These results have important implications for policy and practice and might be very useful in designing specific tailored programs to prevent cyberbullying.
Authors: Wachs, S., Gámez-Guadix, M., Wright, M. F., Görzig, A., Schubarth, W.
Year: 2019
Title: How do adolescents cope with cyberhate? Psychometric properties and socio-demographic differences of a coping with cyberhate scale
Journal: Computers in Human Behavior
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2019.106167
Abstract: Cyberhate exposure can have serious negative impacts on adolescents’ development. However, there has been scarce research on adolescents’ coping strategies for cyberhate. Deepening the knowledge of how adolescents deal with cyberhate might help researchers, teachers, and parents find a way to alleviate negative effects of cyberhate on adolescents. Therefore, the present study investigates adolescents’ coping strategies for cyberhate, while considering differences in adolescents’ sex, age, socioeconomic status (SES), and victim status. The sample consists of self-reports of 1480 participants who were between 12 and 17 years old (Mage = 14.21 years, SD = 1.22) and attended 7th through 10th grades. Results showed that six varying coping strategies could be confirmed, namely Distal advice, Assertiveness, Helplessness/Self-blame, Close support, Technical coping, and Retaliation. Technical coping was the most frequently used coping strategy followed by Assertiveness, Close support, Helplessness/Self-blame, Retaliation, and Distal advice. Girls more frequently used all coping strategies, except for Retaliation which had no sex differences. Younger adolescents reported more often using Technical coping than older adolescents. Distal advice and Technical coping were higher among participants with lower SES, compared with adolescents with higher SES. Distal advice and Close support were higher for non-victims than victims, whereas the mean of Retaliation was higher for victims than non-victims. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Authors: Gámez-Guadix, M., Mateos-Pérez, E.
Year: 2019
Title: Longitudinal and reciprocal relationships between sexting, online sexual solicitations, and cyberbullying among minors
Journal: Computers in Human Behavior
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2019.01.004
Abstract: This study examined the longitudinal and reciprocal relationships between sexting and two types of online victimization among minors: sexual solicitations by adults and cyberbullying. The sample consisted of 1497 minors between the ages of 12 and 14 at time 1, who completed measures on sexting, sexual solicitations, and cyberbullying at the beginning of the study and again at the follow-up, one year later. The prevalence during the previous year was 7.6% and 17.5% for sexting at times 1 and 2 (respectively), 7% and 15% at times 1 and 2 for sexual solicitation, and 49.4% and 46.4% at times 1 and 2 for cyberbullying. The results show that minors’ participation in sexting at time 1 predicted a significant increase in both sexual solicitations and cyberbullying during the follow-up; sexual solicitations and cyberbullying were both related to increased participation in sexting behavior one year later. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Authors: Delgado, B., & Escortel, R.
Year: 2018
Title: Sex and grade differences in cyberbullying of Spanish students of 5th and 6th grade of Primary Education
Journal: Anales de Psicología
URL: https://doi.org/10.6018/analesps.34.3.283871
Abstract: Cyberbullying is a recent phenomenon that has a great impact on the development and well-being of children. The objective of the present study is to analyze the differences in cyberbullying (victims, bullies, and bystanders) according to the sex and grade of the participants. The sample consisted of 548 students from 5?h and 6:i’ grade of primary education. The results indicate that girls arc significantly more victimized than boys, and score higher on five victimizing behaviors, seven bullying behaviors, and four behaviors of observation of cyberbullying. The students of the two courses present similar scores in being a victim, a bully, and a bystander of cyberbullying. However, 6th-graders are more victimized through manipulated videos and death threats and perform more behaviors related to blackmailing to not reveal secrets through the Internet, whereas 5th-graders stand out due to more blackmail or threats through calls or messages. In relation to the bystanders, 5rh-graders claim they observe more anonymous calls and sexual harassment. The evidence found is discussed, establishing possible directions for future studies, as well as the practical implications for the development of effective intervention programs.
Authors: Elipe, P., de la Oliva Muñoz, M., & Del Rey, R.
Year: 2018
Title: Homophobic Bullying and Cyberbullying: Study of a Silenced Problem
Journal: Journal of Homosexuality
URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2017.1333809
Abstract: Bullying and cyberbullying have been studied extensively. In lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning (LGBQ) students, these phenomena seem to be overrepresented so that, although they share some common elements, homophobic bullying and cyberbullying could be considered as specific phenomena. This study analyzed homophobic bullying and cyberbullying, with the participation of 533 Spanish secondary school students aged from 12 to 20 (M = 14.9,SD = 1.7). The results showed that students identified as non-heterosexual experienced a higher level of being targeted with bullying and cyberbullying, almost one half of them declaring that they had been victimized and more than 20% cybervictimized. Many stated they had suffered both kinds of harassment. In addition, the prevalence of all kinds of bullying was higher among non-heterosexual students. Regression analyses showed that sexual orientation could be considered a risk factor for suffering these aggressions. We discuss results in relation to previous research and look at their practical implications.
Authors: Yudes-Gómez, C., Baridon-Chauvie, D., & González-Cabrera, J. M
Year: 2018
Title: Cyberbullying and problematic Internet use in Colombia, Uruguay and Spain: Cross-cultural study
Journal: Media Education Research Journal
URL: https://www.scipedia.com/public/Yudes-Gomez_et_al_2018a
Abstract: The goal of this cross-cultural study was to analyze and compare the cybervictimization and cyberaggression scores, and the problematic Internet use between Spain, Colombia and Uruguay. Despite cultural similarities between the Spanish and the South American contexts, there are few empirical studies that have comparatively examined this issue. The study sample consisted of 2,653 subjects aged 10-18 years. Data was collected through the cyberbullying questionnaire and the Spanish version of the “Revised generalized and problematic Internet use scale”. Results showed a higher prevalence of minor cyberbullying behavior in Spain between 10-14 years. In the three countries compared, there was a higher prevalence of two types of bystanders: the defender of the victim and the outsider, although in Colombia there were more profiles of assistant to the bully. Regarding the problematic use of the Internet, there were not differences between the three countries. We provide evidence on the relationship between cybervictimization and cyberaggression and problematic use of the Internet. The dimensions of compulsive use and regulation of mood are the best predictors of cyberbullying. We discuss our results in relation to the possible normalization of violence and its lack of recognition as such.
Authors: Buelga, S., Martínez–Ferrer, B., & Cava, M. J.
Year: 2017
Title: Differences in family climate and family communication among cyberbullies, cybervictims, and cyber bully–victims in adolescents.
Journal: Computers in Human Behavior
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.07.017
Abstract: Scientific studies on family factors related to the main cyberbullying roles are still scarce. The present study analyzed family climate and parent–adolescent communication in the four roles involved in cyberbullying: cybervictims, cyberbullies, cyberbully–victims, and non–involved adolescents. The study had two main objectives: (1) to analyze the differences in family climate (cohesion and conflict) and communication patterns with the mother and father (open, avoidance, and offensive) among the four roles, controlling the variables sex and academic grade; and (2) to determine the predictive weight of these family variables in the roles involved in cyberbullying. A battery of instruments was applied to 1062 adolescents from 12 to 18 years old. The results revealed that the cyberbully–victim profile had the lowest quality family climate and family communication patterns. In addition, family conflict predicted the role of cyberbullies, and non–open communication with the mother and avoidant communication with the father predicted the role of cybervictim. Finally, these family variables together (conflict and non–open and avoidant communication) predicted the role of cyberbully–victim.
Authors: Larrañaga, E., Yubero, S., Ovejero, A., Navarro, R.
Year: 2016
Title: Loneliness, parent-child communication and cyberbullying victimization among Spanish youths
Journal: Computers in Human Behavior
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.08.015
Abstract: Cyberbullying has been recognized as an important risk factor for mental health. Few studies have analyzed relationships between family variables and cyberbullying victimization. This ex post facto study analyze the relationships between loneliness, parent-child communication and different groups of cyberbullying victims (non-involved, occasional and severe; and an extreme case of cyberbullying, daily victims). A battery of instruments was applied to 813 Spanish adolescents in grades 7–10 (loneliness, parent-child communication and cyberbullying victimization). Their parents completed the parent-child communication scale. Logistic regressions analyses were applied to determine if cyberbullying victimization is associated with loneliness and parent-child communication. The results showed that adolescents’ reports of avoidant communication with the mother was associated with occasional cyberbullying victimization. Adolescents’ reports of avoidant communication with the mother and feelings of loneliness were associated with severe cyberbullying victimization. Additionally, parents’ reports of offensive communication was associated with severe cyberbullying victimization. The results of this study highlight the association of communication family problems with cyberbullying victimization.
Authors: Cross, D., Li, Q., Smith, P. K., & Monks, H.
Year: 2012
Title: Understanding and preventing cyberbullying: where have we been and where should we be going?
Journal: Q. Li, D. Cross, & P. K. Smith (Eds.), Cyberbullying in the global playground: Research from international perspectives
URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119954484.ch14
Abstract: This book contributes to an understanding of cyberbullying, its nature, harmful effects, and correlates of this behavior as it affects young people. Many previous publications on cyberbullying have focused on studies in North America. However, in this book we have presented findings from eleven countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, England, Finland, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Spain, South Korea, and the United States. By providing a range of cultural perspectives, this collection of research aims to contribute new knowledge about the cross-cultural issues relevant to cyberbullying, and the generality or specificity of findings. Beyond that, we hope to develop more effective strategies to prevent and reduce harm from cyberbullying. This chapter discusses some issues arising from the research presented in the twelve empirical studies in this book, and considers the implications of this and other relevant research for the design, development, and evaluation of cyberbullying interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserves.
Authors: Quintana-Orts, C. & Rey, L.
Year: 2018
Title: Forgiveness and cyberbullying in adolescence: Does willingness to forgive help minimize the risk of becoming a cyberbully?
Journal: Computers in Human Behavior
URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S074756321730701X
Abstract: Cyberbullying has received recent research attention due to the frequent use of social media and electronic devices among adolescents. This study examined forgiveness and cybervictimization as predictors of cyberbullying aggression in a sample of 1650 secondary school adolescents (50.5% females). Results of regression analyses indicated that cybervictimization was a significant predictor of indices of cyberbullying. The inclusion of forgiveness was found to significantly augment the prediction of cyberbullying aggression, even after accounting for sex and grade. Furthermore, the cybervictimization × forgiveness interaction term was found to significantly augment the prediction of cyberbullying aggression.
Specifically, cybervictimized adolescents with high forgiveness, compared to those with low forgiveness, reported significantly lower levels of cyberbullying behaviors. Implications of the present findings are discussed in terms of the protective role of forgiveness for preventing aggressive behavior and for preventing individuals from becoming a bully after suffering victimization. The results suggest that anti-cyberbullying interventions also need to focus on promoting forgiveness in adolescents.
Authors: Rodríguez Ferrández, S., Fernández Castejón, E. B., & Bautista Ortuño, R.
Year: 2017
Title: Cyber-victimization prevention of minors in Alicante province
Journal: Revista Española de Investigación Criminológica
URL: http://reic.criminologia.net/pdf/reic/ano15-2017/a152017art2.pdf
Abstract: The aim of this research is to assess the effectiveness of a prevention program addressed to reduce the children’s rates cybervictimization reported in 2014 (in the province of Alicante), from a previous study named “CiberApp”. The intervention program included 66 briefings of 50 minutes (59 sessions with minors and 7 with their parents and educators) on a sample of 1,575 children under ESO. A questionnaire designed ad hoc to measure the actual frequency of risky behavior on the Internet (pretest) and the intentions of doing these behaviors in the future (post-test) was applied. The intervention has been effective in reducing minors’ intentions to make each of the evaluated risk behaviors and promoting their self-protection in front of cybervictimization.
Authors: Cuadrado-Gordillo, I., & Fernández-Antelo, I.
Year: 2016
Title: Adolescents’ perception of the characterizing dimensions of cyberbullying: Differentiation between bullies’ and victims’ perceptions.
Journal: Computers in Human Behavior
URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563215301849
Abstract: Being aware of the adolescent perceptions’ on cyberbullying is one of the main factors that determine the real prevalence of this phenomenon and allows the adequacy of intervention programs. The objectives pursued in this study were: (a) to determine the perceptions adolescents have about cyberbullying and cyber abuse; and (b) to analyse the influence of experiences of cybervictimization and cyberaggression on the perception of cyberbullying and its various forms. The sample consisted of 1753 adolescents of 12–16 years in age. The instrument used to acquire the data was a questionnaire. The results reveal that, of the 5 identifying criteria of cyberbullying, Spanish adolescents have recourse to just three: intent to hurt, imbalance of power, and advertising. Also, this study shows that verbal and visual aggressions, far from being interpreted as forms of cyberbullying, are considered to be mechanisms that foster and facilitate their communication and interaction. Although the victims and aggressors allude to the same set of identifying criteria, the aggressors emphasize the imbalance of power criterion as against the intent to hurt. For the victims, the intentionality being the primary factor, followed by advertising, while the imbalance of power is relegated to a background role
Authors: Del Rey, R., Lazuras, L., Casas, J. A., Barkoukis, V., Ortega-Ruiz, R., & Tsorbatzoudis, H.
Year: 2016
Title: Does empathy predict (cyber) bullying perpetration, and how do age, gender and nationality affect this relationship?
Journal: Learning and Individual Differences
URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1041608015300248
Abstract: The present study set out to investigate which role empathy plays in traditional bullying and cyberbullying in a sample of adolescents from Greece and Spain. Furthermore, the study aimed to assess invariance of the relationship between empathy and (cyber) bullying across gender, age and nationality.
Authors: Calvete, E., Orue, I., & Gámez-Guadix, M.
Year: 2015
Title: Cyberbullying Victimization and Depression in Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Body Image and Cognitive Schemas in a One-year Prospective Study.
Journal: European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research
URL: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10610-015-9292-8
Abstract: Cyberbullying, the harassment of others via new technologies, is a growing phenomenon with important consequences for its victims. Despite the growing interest in this new form of violence, only a few longitudinal studies have analyzed the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and psychological problems, such as depression, in adolescents. Furthermore, the mechanisms through which cyberbullying victimization contributes to the development of depressive symptoms remain almost unexplored. The current study assesses whether cyberbullying victimization predicts the increase in depressive symptoms over time and the role of body image and cognitive schemas in the association between cyberbullying victimization and depression. We hypothesized that victims of cyberbullying would develop a negative body image, the belief that others would hurt them and that they were defective to some degree, and that, as a consequence of these cognitions, they would increase their symptoms of depression. A sample of 1015 adolescents (mean age = 15.43, SD = 1.09) completed measures of depressive symptoms at three waves (T1, T2, and T3) spaced 6 months apart, measures of body image and cognitive schemas at T1 and T2, and measures of CB victimization at T1. Findings indicated that CB victimization at T1 predicted a worsening of body image and cognitive schemas of mistrust and defectiveness at T2, and those changes in cognitions predicted in turn an increase in depressive symptoms from T2 to T3. Gender differences were also examined. The model was very similar for boys and girls. However, changes in body image acted as a mediator between CB victimization and depression only in girls. Therefore, this study contributes to clarifying the cognitive mechanisms involved in the development of depression among victims of CB. These findings suggest that intervention programs with victims of CB should address the cognitions that are relevant for the development of depression.
Authors: Garaigordobil, M., & Martínez-Valderrey, V.
Year: 2015
Title: Effects of Cyberprogram 2.0 on” face-to-face” bullying, cyberbullying, and empathy.
Journal: Psicothema
URL: http://www.unioviedo.es/reunido/index.php/PST/article/view/10627
Abstract: Background: The considerable prevalence of cyberbullying and its noxious effects on all those concerned reveals the need for programs to prevent and/or intervene in this type of violence. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of Cyberprogram 2.0 on “face-to-face” bullying, cyberbullying, and empathy. Method: A sample of 176 adolescents of the Basque Country (Spain), aged between 13 and 15 years, who studied Compulsory Secondary Education, was used. Of them, 93 were randomly assigned to the experimental condition, and 83 to the control condition. The study used a pretest-posttest repeated measures design with a control group. Before and after the program, two assessment instruments were administered. Results: The results confirmed that the program significantly stimulated: (a) a decrease in the amount of bullying and cyberbullying behaviors suffered and/or carried out (level of victimization, perpetration, aggressive-victimization); and (b) an increase in the capacity for empathy. Conclusions: The study provides evidence of the effectiveness of Cyberprogram 2.0 to prevent and reduce bullying and cyberbullying. The discussion analyzes aspects of the program that may account for the significant intervention effects.
Authors: Schultze-Krumbholz, A., Göbel, K., Scheithauer, H., Brighi, A., Guarini, A., Tsorbatzoudis, H., … & Casas, J. A.
Year: 2015
Title: A comparison of classification approaches for cyberbullying and traditional bullying using data from six European countries.
Journal: Journal of School Violence
URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15388220.2014.961068
Abstract: In recently published studies on cyberbullying, students are frequently categorized into distinct (cyber)bully and (cyber)victim clusters based on theoretical assumptions and arbitrary cut-off scores adapted from traditional bullying research. The present study identified involvement classes empirically using latent class analysis (LCA), to compare the classification of cyber- and traditional bullying and to compare LCA and the conventional approach. Participants were 6,260 students (M = 14.8 years, SD = 1.6; 49.1% male) from six European countries. LCA resulted in three classes for cyberbullying and four classes for traditional bullying. Cyber- and traditional bullying differed from each other, as did LCA and the conventional approach. Country, age, and gender differences were found. Implications for the field of traditional and cyberbullying research are discussed.
Authors: Orue, I., & Andershed, H.
Year: 2015
Title: The Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version in Spanish Adolescents—Factor Structure, Reliability, and Relation with Aggression, Bullying, and Cyber Bullying.
Journal: Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment
URL: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10862-015-9489-7
Abstract: The main aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish adaptation of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory-Short Version (YPI-S) which assesses the interpersonal, affective and behavioral dimensions of psychopathy. The factor structure, reliability of the scale and subscales and their relationships with proactive and reactive aggression, bullying and cyberbullying were evaluated. A total of 993 adolescents (58.9 % girls) between the ages of 14 and 18 completed the YPI-S along with the aggression measures. The internal consistency of the total and the three subscales was good. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three factor structure which was invariant for boys and girls. At a correlational level the three factors were related to all aggressive measures, however different patterns emerged in regression analyses. Finally, a triple interaction between the three factors was the best predictor of proactive aggression. In conclusion, the results of this study show that the Spanish YPI-S is a reliable, valid, and time effective instrument to assess psychopathic traits.
Authors: Garaigordobil, M., & Martínez-Valderrey, V.
Year: 2015
Title: he effectiveness of Cyberprogram 2.0 on conflict resolution strategies and self-esteem.
Journal: Journal of Adolescent Health
URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X15001627
Abstract: Purpose: In recent years, the problem of youth violence has been a cause of increasing concern for educational and mental health professionals worldwide. The main objective of the study was to evaluate experimentally the effects of an anti-bullying/cyberbullying program (Cyberprogram 2.0; Pirámide Publishing, Madrid, Spain) on conflict resolution strategies and self-esteem. Methods: A randomly selected sample of 176 Spanish adolescents aged 13–15 years (93 experimental, 83 control) was employed. The study used a repeated measures pretest–posttest design with a control group. Before and after the program (19 one-hour sessions), two assessment instruments were administered: the questionnaire for measuring conflict management message styles and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Results: The analyses of covariance of the posttest scores confirmed that the program stimulated an increase of cooperative conflict resolution strategies, a decrease in aggressive and avoidant strategies, and an increase of self-esteem. The change was similar in both sexes. Conclusions: The study provides evidence of the effectiveness of Cyberprogram 2.0 to improve the capacity for conflict resolution and self-esteem. The discussion focuses on the importance of implementing programs to promote socioemotional development and to prevent violence.
Authors: Buelga, S., Cava, M. J., Musitu, G., & Torralba, E.
Year: 2015
Title: Cyberbullying aggressors among Spanish secondary education students: an exploratory study
Journal: Interactive Technology and Smart Education
URL: http://mobiroderic.uv.es/bitstream/handle/10550/46803/106848.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Abstract: Purpose: This paper aims to explore the prevalence rate of adolescents engaging in aggressive behaviours towards their peers using the Internet and mobile phones, while examining the duration and intensity of this cyberbullying, and to analyse differences in cyberbullying behaviours based on gender and age (academic grades). Research on cyberbullying indicates that it is a global problem that is increasing dramatically among adolescents. Design/Methodology/Approach: The sample was composed of 1,415 Spanish adolescents of both sexes (760 boys and 655 girls) between 12 and 17 years old (M = 13.9 years old; SD = 1.4). Findings: The results indicated that the cyberbullying prevalence among adolescents in the past year was 32 per cent. Likewise, the data suggest that boys and students in their fourth year of secondary education (15-17 years old) perpetrated cyberbullying on their peers more than girls and students in lower grades. Research Limitations/Implications: The results presented in this research should be interpreted with caution due to its cross-sectional nature; a longitudinal study with measurements at different times would help to confirm the results observed here. On the other hand, in this study, the adolescents’ responses were obtained through self-reports and, although they could be subject to social desirability effects and biases, as indicated by Flisher et al. (2004), the reliability and validity of adolescent self-reports in the measurement of risk behaviours were quite acceptable. Practical Implications: It is of crucial importance to develop educational strategies designed to favour the responsible use of the new technologies. In many cases, children and adolescents are not aware of psychological and legal consequences that their cyber-aggressions can have on themselves, on the victims and on their families and social environment. Social Implications: The authors feel that this research may contribute to clarifying some crucial issues related to the growing problem of cyberbullying that affects adolescents in many countries of the world. As the present research deals with aspects of interactive technology and smart education, the authors believe that the findings reported in the manuscript would be of interest to potential readers of this Journal. Originality/Value: This paper is an original perspective on cyberbullying aggressors among secondary education students in a Spanish context.
Authors: Gámez-Guadix, M., Gini, G., & Calvete, E.
Year: 2015
Title: Stability of cyberbullying victimization among adolescents: Prevalence and association with bully–victim status and psychosocial adjustment.
Journal: Computers in Human Behavior
URL: http://isiarticles.com/bundles/Article/pre/pdf/36808.pdf
Abstract: The aims of this study were as follows: (a) to examine the possible presence of an identifiable group of stable victims of cyberbullying; (b) to analyze whether the stability of cybervictimization is associated with the perpetration of cyberbullying and bully–victim status (i.e., being only a bully, only a victim, or being both a bully and a victim); and (c) to test whether stable victims report a greater number of psychosocial problems compared to non-stable victims and uninvolved peers. A sample of 680 Spanish adolescents (410 girls) completed self-report measures on cyberbullying perpetration and victimization, depressive symptoms, and problematic alcohol use at two time points that were separated by one year. The results of cluster analyses suggested the existence of four distinct victimization profiles: “Stable-Victims,” who reported victimization at both Time 1 and Time 2 (5.8% of the sample), “Time 1-Victims,” and “Time 2-Victims,” who presented victimization only at one time (14.5% and 17.6%, respectively), and “Non-Victims,” who presented minimal victimization at both times (61.9% of the sample). Stable victims were more likely to fall into the “bully–victim” category and presented more cyberbullying perpetration than the rest of the groups. Overall, the Stable Victims group displayed higher scores of depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol use over time than the other groups, whereas the Non-Victims displayed the lowest of these scores. These findings have major implications for prevention and intervention efforts aimed at reducing cyberbullying and its consequences.
Authors: Del Rey, R., Casas, J. A., Ortega-Ruiz, R., Schultze-Krumbholz, A., Scheithauer, H., Smith, P., … & Guarini, A.
Year: 2015
Title: Structural validation and cross-cultural robustness of the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire.
Journal: Computers in Human Behavior
URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563215002630
Abstract: During the last decade, cyberbullying has become an increasing concern which has been addressed by diverse theoretical and methodological approaches. As a result there is a debate about its nature and rigorously validated assessment instruments have not yet been validated. In this context, in the present study an instrument composed of 22 items representing the different types of behaviours and actions that define cyberbullying has been structurally validated and its cross-cultural robustness has been calculated for the two main dimensions: cyber-victimization and cyber-aggression. To this end, 5679 secondary school students from six European countries (Spain, Germany, Italy, Poland, United Kingdom, and Greece) were surveyed through this self-report questionnaire which was designed based on previously existing instruments and the most relevant conceptual elements. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted and the global internal consistency was computed for the instrument and its two dimensions. Identical factor structures were found across all of the six subsamples. The results contribute to existing research by providing an instrument, the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire, which has been structurally validated in a wide sample from six different countries and that is useful to evaluate psycho-educative interventions against cyberbullying.
Authors: Tsitsika, A., Janikian, M., Wójcik, S., Makaruk, K., Tzavela, E., Tzavara, C., … & Richardson, C.
Year: 2015
Title: Cyberbullying victimization prevalence and associations with internalizing and externalizing problems among adolescents in six European countries.
Journal: Computers in Human Behavior
URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S074756321500343X
Abstract: Cyberbullying victimization is an important adolescent health issue. The cross-national study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cyber victimization and associated internalizing, externalizing and academic problems among adolescents in six European countries. A cross-sectional school-based study of 14–17 year-old adolescents (N = 10,930; F/M: 5719/5211; mean age 15.8 ± 0.7 years) was conducted in Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, Romania, Iceland and Greece. In total, 21.4% of adolescents reported cyber victimization in the past 12 months. Reports were more frequent among girls than boys (23.9% vs. 18.5%), and among the older adolescents compared to the younger ones (24.2% vs. 19.7%). The prevalence was highest in Romania and Greece (37.3% and 26.8%) and lowest in Spain and Iceland (13.3% and 13.5%). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that cyber victimization was more frequent among adolescents using the internet and social networking sites for two or more hours daily. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that externalizing, internalizing and academic problems were associated with cyber victimization. Overall, cyber victimization was found to be a problem of substantial extent, concerning more than one in five of the studied European adolescents. Action against cyber victimization is crucial while policy planning should be aimed at the prevention of the phenomenon.
Authors: García‐Moya, I., Suominen, S., & Moreno, C.
Year: 2014
Title: Bullying victimization prevalence and its effects on psychosomatic complaints: can sense of coherence make a difference?
Journal: Journal of school health
URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25154528
Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of bullying victimization and its impact on physical and psychological complaints in a representative sample of adolescents and to explore the role of sense of coherence (SOC) in victimization prevalence and consequences. Methods: A representative sample of Spanish adolescents (N = 7580, mean age = 15.41) was selected as part of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study. Bullying victimization, physical and psychological symptoms, and SOC were measured, and comparisons were made between strong- and weak-SOC adolescents regarding their likelihood of being a victim of bullying and the negative effects of bullying victimization on their health. Results: Weak-SOC adolescents were significantly more likely to suffer from bullying victimization regardless of type (nonphysical vs physical and nonphysical) or means (traditional vs cyberbullying). In addition, bullying victimization showed significant increasing effects on weak-SOC adolescents’ physical and psychological symptoms whereas in strong-SOC adolescents it was not significantly associated with increases in physical complaints and its effects on psychological complaints seemed to be weaker. Conclusions: Weak-SOC adolescents seem to be at higher risk of becoming bullying victims and victimization experiences appear to have increased negative effects on them when compared to strong-SOC students.
Authors: García, B. C., de Ayala López, M. L., & Jiménez, A. G.
Year: 2014
Title: The risks faced by adolescents on the Internet: minors as actors and victims of the dangers of the Internet.
Journal: Revista Latina de Comunicación Social
URL: (Now defunct)
Abstract: The intensive use of the Internet among adolescents has increased concerns about the risks they face in the cyberspace. The objective of this study is to diagnose the risks faced by Spanish adolescents on the Internet, and to determine the influence of such variables as age, sex, and ownership of the school attended by minors.
Authors: Casas, J. A., Del Rey, R., & Ortega-Ruiz, R.
Year: 2013
Title: Bullying and cyberbullying: Convergent and divergent predictor variables.
Journal: Computers in Human Behavior
URL: http://isiarticles.com/bundles/Article/pre/pdf/30366.pdf
Abstract: There is certain controversy on whether cyber-bullying is a category of bullying as it appears in a very different scenario away from the schools. The objective of this research has been to know if the variables that predict the involvement of youngsters in traditional bullying are also predictor of the appearance of cyber-bullying. Accordingly, we have looked for the similarities and the differences existing in the involvement on these phenomena. The sample is composed by secondary school pupils (n = 893, 45.9% girls; age x¯=13.80, SD = 1.47). The results show that there are multiple relations between the predictor variables of school bullying and the specific variables of virtual environments that predict cyber-bullying. It has been obtained a new model that explains both phenomena which could be a strong evidence to base future interventions to prevent and reduce these problems.
Authors: Miró-Llinares, F.
Year: 2013
Title: La victimización por cibercriminalidad social. Un estudio a partir de la teoría de las actividades cotidianas en el ciberespacio
Journal: Revista Española de Investigación Criminológica
URL: http://reic.criminologia.net/pdf/reic/ano11-2013/a112013art5.pdf
Abstract: The aim of this research is to examine levels of social cybervictimization in relation to an analyzed sample as well as to provide a predictive model which ultimately allows establishing prevention strategies based on scientific evidences. The research starts from the reconceptualization of the Routine Activity Theory (1979), developed by Cohen and Felson, and establishes the hypothesis that the user and his daily activities in cyberspace are key elements in producing crime event. A sample of 500 people aged between 18 and 65 has been interviewed using the CATI system (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing) in order to collect and analyze data. According to the data survey, the risk area of the user is defined by private goods and spheres he incorporates into cyberspace, the use of Internet and the lack of self-defense strategies.
Authors: Miró-Llinares, F.
Year: 2013
Title: Criminal law, cyberbullying and other forms of (non-sexual) harassment in cyberspace
Journal: IDP. Revista de Internet, Derecho y Política
URL: http://www.raco.cat/index.php/IDP/article/viewFile/272045/360052
Abstract: Social networks, in particular, and the Internet, in general, now represent a new ambit for personal development, a new life space where people spend hours of their day communicating with others and forming relationships, and where, thus, there are attacks on individuals and their honour, liberty, privacy or personal dignity. This article analyses the response of Spanish criminal law to the different forms of non-sexual harassment of minors in cyberspace. Following the description and conceptualization of phenomena such as cyberbullying or individual acts of online harassment, the article analyses the specific incorporation of different forms of harassment of minors, whether continuous or not, in the different types of the particular part of the law. There is no criminal precept that expressly regulates most of these acts (despite the basic type of crimes against moral integrity having been made the benchmark crime for the courts). The types of crime that can be applied to these harassing behaviours – generally among peers – which are starting to proliferate in cyberspace are varied (threat, coercion, slander, etc.), as can be seen in the wide range of jurisprudence.
Authors: Del Rey, R., Elipe, P., & Ortega-Ruiz, R.
Year: 2013
Title: Bullying and cyberbullying: Overlapping and predictive value of the co-occurrence
Journal: Psicothema
URL: http://www.unioviedo.es/reunido/index.php/PST/article/viewFile/9711/9455/
Abstract: Several studies show certain co-occurrence of the traditional bullying and the cyberbullying. However, the results about relation and homogeneity among the roles of each of them are not unanimous. The present study intends to advance in the knowledge about the above-mentioned co-occurrence by exploring the dimensions of victimization and traditional aggression and cyber-victimization and cyber-aggression and by identifying its eventual directionality. A short-term longitudinal design was developed. The sample was formed by 274 adolescents, aging 12 to 18 years-old, belonging to 2 schools of Andalusia (South of Spain). In order to value the impact of bullying and cyberbullying the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire (ECIPQ) and the European Bullying Intervention Project Questionnaire (EBIPQ) were used. The results show important simultaneity among both phenomena and suggest that although in cyberbullying. cyber-victimization and cyber-aggression may be predicted because of previous involvement of the subject in traditional bullying, on the contrary it does not happen. In addition, previous victimization is a risk factor for traditional bullying and for cyberbullying. Results are discussed in relation to the process and socio-group dynamics arising from the bullying and cyberbullying phenomena, and in terms of their prevention.
Authors: Navarro, R., Serna, C., Martínez, V., & Ruiz-Oliva, R.
Year: 2013
Title: The role of Internet use and parental mediation on cyberbullying victimization among Spanish children from rural public schools.
Journal: European journal of psychology of education
URL: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10212-012-0137-2
Abstract: Cyberbullying victimization research on individual and familial correlates is scarce in Spain. By building upon previous studies, this research examines the role of Internet usage and parental mediation in online victimization. Spanish children from rural public schools (10–12 years; n = 1068) completed a self-report questionnaire which measured being cyberbullied, Internet use and parental mediation strategies. Logistic regression analyses examined the association among cyberbullying victimization, online activities, intensity and purposes of online communication, and restricting, evaluating and co-using parental mediation. The results show that Internet use, specifically online communication, increases the likelihood of cyberbullying victimization. Conversely, monitoring software installed on the computer, joint creation of rules regarding the time spent online and personal information shared help lessen the likelihood of online victimization. The results are examined in the light of previous research, while implications for practice and future research are considered.
Authors: Ortega, R., Elipe, P., Mora‐Merchán, J. A., Genta, M. L., Brighi, A., Guarini, A., … & Tippett, N.
Year: 2012
Title: The emotional impact of bullying and cyberbullying on victims: a European cross‐national study.
Journal: Aggressive behavior
URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22782434
Abstract: Past research has demonstrated the effects of bullying can be severe and long term for the individuals involved. The main aim of this study is to analyze the emotional impact on victims of traditional bullying, both direct and indirect forms, and of cyberbullying through mobile phones and the Internet. A sample of 5,862 adolescents from three different countries, Italy (N = 1,964), Spain (N = 1,671), and England (N = 2,227), responded to a questionnaire that asked if they had experience of various forms of bullying, and the consequent emotional impact. The results show that both traditional bullying and cyberbullying have a significant prevalence in the samples. Emotional responses are linked to types of bullying. Analysis of answers identified specific emotional profiles for the different types of bullying and cyberbullying. Direct bullying and cyberbullying via mobile phone showed similar profiles, and also indirect bullying and cyberbullying using the Internet. Similarities and differences between profiles are discussed and some hypotheses are presented to explain the results. In addition, school grade, gender, country, and severity of bullying episodes were related to the specific emotional profiles of each type of bullying.
Authors: Genta, M.L., Smith, P.K., Ortega, R., Brighi, A., Guarini, A., Thompson, F., Tippett, N., Mora-Merchán, J. and Calmaestra, J.
Year: 2011
Title: Comparative aspects of cyberbullying in Italy, England, and Spain
Journal: Cyberbullying in the global playground: Research from international perspectives
URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781119954484.ch2/summary
Abstract: The last 10 years have seen the increasing use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) among adolescents. Bullying too has been examined in relation to the growth in the use of ICT by adolescents and young people, opening up a line of research investigating “cyberbullying” behavior. In the study of cyberbullying among preadolescents and adolescents it is important to consider the relationship between young people and ICT, highlighting the amount of use of different digital media and the preference and choices made by young people in their free time (relating to Internet, mobile phones, television, etc.)
Authors: Nocentini, A., Calmaestra, J., Schultze-Krumbholz, A., Scheithauer, H., Ortega, R., & Menesini, E.
Year: 2010
Title: Cyberbullying: Labels, behaviours and definition in three European countries.
Journal: Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling
Abstract: This study aims to examine students’ perception of the term used to label cyberbullying, the perception of different forms and behaviours (written, verbal, visual, exclusion and impersonation) and the perception of the criteria used for its definition (imbalance of power, intention, repetition, anonymity and publicity) in three different European countries: Italy, Spain and Germany. Seventy adolescents took part in nine focus groups, using the same interview guide across countries. Thematic analysis focused on three main themes related to: (1) the term used to label cyberbullying, (2) the different behaviours representing cyberbullying, (3) the three traditional criteria of intentionality, imbalance of power and repetition and the two new criteria of anonymity and publicity. Results showed that the best word to label cyberbullying is ‘cyber-mobbing’ (in Germany), ‘virtual’ or ‘cyber-bullying’ (in Italy), and ‘harassment’ or ‘harassment via Internet or mobile phone’ (in Spain). Impersonation cannot be considered wholly as cyberbullying behaviour. In order to define a cyberbullying act, adolescents need to know whether the action was done intentionally to harm the victim, the effect on the victim and the repetition of the action (this latter criterion evaluated simultaneously with the publicity). Information about the anonymity and publicity contributes to better understand the nature and the severity of the act, the potential effects on the victim and the intentionality.
Citation: Nocentini, A., Calmaestra, J., Schultze-Krumbholz, A., Scheithauer, H., Ortega, R., & Menesini, E. (2010). Cyberbullying: Labels, behaviours and definition in three European countries. Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 20(02), 129-142.
Authors: Jäger, T., Amado, J., Matos, A., & Pessoa, T.
Year: 2010
Title: Analysis of Experts’ and Trainers’ Views on Cyberbullying.
Journal: Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling
URL: http://goo.gl/kzsqWw
Abstract: Partners from nine European countries developed a cyberbullying training manual for the benefit of trainers working with parents, school staff and young people.1 The development of the training manual built on a two-level qualitative research process that combined elements of the Delphi method and online focus groups. The two studies outlined in this article aimed to assess trainers’ and experts’ views on the problem of cyberbullying while also gathering insight in relation to their preferences in terms of a training manual. This article outlines the main outcomes of a content analysis of experts’ and trainers’ views. According to experts and trainers, the sources of cyberbullying were specifically related to new technical developments and new patterns of usage, a lack of media literacy and media education, and the lack of appropriate laws, control and reporting mechanisms. Approaches for tackling cyberbullying suggested by experts and trainers included the provision of enhanced information on ICT and e-safety, adequate rules, monitoring mechanisms and sanctions. Furthermore a range of approaches targeting children and young people, parents and other adults, schools as well as approaches run by authorities and IT providers were suggested. In terms of the elements and style of a training manual, experts and trainers emphasised that it should be practically oriented, and that elements like narratives, case examples or video clips would be vital for the implementation of training.
Citation: Jäger, T., Amado, J., Matos, A., & Pessoa, T. (2010). Analysis of Experts’ and Trainers’ Views on Cyberbullying. Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 20(02), 169-181.
Authors: Ortega, R., Elipe, P., Mora-Merchán, J. A., Calmaestra, J., & Vega, E.
Year: 2009
Title: The emotional impact on victims of traditional bullying and cyberbullying: A study of Spanish adolescents.
Journal: Zeitschrift für Psychologie/Journal of Psychology
URL: http://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/abs/10.1027/0044-3409.217.4.197
Abstract: We examine the emotional impact caused to victims of bullying in its traditional form, both directly and indirectly, as well as bullying inflicted by use of new technologies such as mobile phones and the Internet. A sample of 1,671 adolescents and young people responded to a questionnaire which asked if they had been victims of various forms of bullying, as well as the emotions this caused. The results show that although traditional bullying affected significantly more young people than cyberbullying, the latter affected one in ten adolescents. Analysis of the emotions caused showed that traditional bullying produced a wide variety of impacts, with the victims being divided into five different emotional categories, while indirect bullying and cyberbullying presented a narrower variety of results with the victims being classifiable into just two groups: Those who said that they had not been emotionally affected and those who simultaneously suffered from a wide variety of negative emotions. The influence of age, gender, and severity on each emotional category is also analyzed.
