A few years ago, when a child or teenager arrived home, and while they remained there, we knew that there were a number of dangers to which they were no longer exposed. Today, with widespread access to the Internet and social networks, children and teenagers can be physically safe in the comfort of their home, while still being exposed to significant risks.

Being victims of verbal violence, threats, unwanted and insistent messages, or the publication of private images or content on public platforms without our permission: cyberbullying takes many forms and its impact on minors is much more traumatic and damaging than on adults.

Not all minors are at the same risk. Internet addiction and lack of parental supervision increase their vulnerability to this phenomenon . Other important factors are the family’s socioeconomic situation, the school environment and individual characteristics.

Specifically, in a recent study we have identified a significant correlation between the probability of suffering harassment on the networks and factors such as the degree of Internet addiction, the lack of parental affection and the lack of affection from friends.

93% have never been harassed

The research used a survey of more than 35,000 Spanish students. Seven percent of respondents said they had been bullied online, while the remaining 93 percent said they had never been bullied or rarely.

To estimate the extent to which Internet addiction influenced cyberbullying, we first calculated an “Internet Addiction Index” (IAI) to measure respondents’ degree of addiction. We also took into account the impact of emotional affection received from parents and friends.

Internet addiction and lack of affection

The results show that as the rate of internet addiction increases, so does the probability of being bullied. At the lowest level of the index, the probability of being bullied is 2.63%. At the highest level, this probability rises to 19.68%.

Furthermore, the study revealed notable differences based on the level of emotional affection received from parents and friends. Teens who reported receiving no affection from their parents showed a higher likelihood of bullying across all levels of addiction. For example, at the highest level of the index, the likelihood of bullying for those without parental support was 25.55%, compared to 19.05% for those who did receive support.

The affection of friends turns out to be even more important than that of parents. Thus, the study indicates that the estimated probability of being bullied among adolescents with support from friends ranges from 2.43%, for the highest level of the Internet addiction index, to 18.60% for the highest level. However, the lack of support from friends increases the probability of being bullied up to 28.61% for the highest level of Internet addiction.

The study also found that the likelihood of being bullied increases when parents are unemployed and among repeaters. Girls are also more at risk of being bullied online than boys.

However, the likelihood of being harassed online is not related to age or how often one practices sports.

How to protect children and adolescents?

The correlation between excessive exposure to the Internet and a lack of support from family or friends indicates that many of the negative consequences of using social media and technology in childhood and adolescence can be concentrated in profiles of especially vulnerable minors, so it is important to implement a series of measures to enhance their protection:

1. Digital education programs. These programs should educate young people on responsible internet use and the risks associated with bullying. In addition, it is essential to educate students on how to protect their privacy online and how to act if they are victims of bullying.
2. Strengthening family and social support. The study suggests that it is essential to promote family and community support programs that help parents provide the necessary emotional care and affection. Schools and communities can offer workshops and resources to help families communicate better and support adolescents in their daily challenges.
3. Awareness campaigns. These campaigns should be targeted at parents, educators, and young people to raise awareness about the dangers of internet addiction and bullying. These campaigns can use a variety of media, such as social media, television, and community events. Their goal should be to disseminate information and resources on how to prevent and treat these problems.
4. Regulation to ensure safe online environments. In addition to direct interventions with teenagers, it is crucial that online platforms take steps to ensure the safety of users. This involves implementing strict anti-bullying policies. They must also provide accessible and easy reporting tools. Another important aspect is having effective mechanisms in place to deal with reports of harassment.
5. Psychological interventions. Psychological support services should be available to all adolescents. Such support is especially needed if they show signs of Internet addiction or have been victims of bullying. Mental health professionals should be available in schools. Their job would be to develop coping strategies and improve emotional well-being.

A challenge for the entire community

Our research reveals that the digital divide goes beyond internet access. Cyberbullying prevention must be part of a community-wide effort to close this gap.

From educational institutions to digital platforms, policy makers and families, we all have a responsibility to contribute to creating a safe and healthy digital environment.

Author Bio: Jose Julian Escario Gracia is Professor of Economic Analysis Fundamentals at the University of Zaragoza