Cyber Interpersonal Violence: Adolescent Perspectives and Digital Practices

Bárbara Machado (), Paula Lobato de Faria, Isabel Araújo and Sónia Caridade
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Bárbara Machado: NOVA National School of Public Health, NOVA University of Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal
Paula Lobato de Faria: Interdisciplinary Centre for Social Sciences (CICS), Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), National School of Public Health, NOVA University, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal
Isabel Araújo: The Artificial Intelligence and Health Research Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, CESPU, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
Sónia Caridade: Psychology Research Centre, School of Psychology, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 7, 1-22

Abstract: Background: The pervasive use of technology, especially among adolescents, has enabled cyber communication and brought many advantages but also led to potential violence. The issue of cyber interpersonal violence (CIV) impacting young individuals is increasingly recognized as a matter of public health; however, little is known about adolescents’ perspectives of the phenomenon. This study explores adolescents’ perspectives on CIV. It seeks to understand their interpretations of abuse, victim impact and reactions, violence escalation, gender issues, victimization and perpetration patterns, and bystander roles. Methods: This qualitative study used fifteen focus groups to gather elementary school participants’ perspectives on cyber interpersonal violence. From four Portuguese schools, 108 participants ( M = 12.87 and SD = 0.31) participated in the study. A thematic analysis uncovered three themes. The results evidenced adolescents’ perspectives about CIV. Due to the amount of time spent online, adolescents regularly encounter cyber harassment and recognize the importance of help-seeking. Mental health problems and their influence on the social and educational lives of adolescents is arising as a CIV problem. Conclusions: Parents play a crucial role in mitigating CIV as well as bystanders. Future programs should promote healthy relationships, raise CIV awareness, involve stakeholders, guide parents, integrate perpetrators into programs, and foster effective networking.

Keywords: adolescents; cyber violence; interpersonal violence; digital practices; public health; mental health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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