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Sociopsychological Analysis of a Highly Vulnerable Category of Adolescents: Victim-Perpetrators of Cyberbullying from a Wide National Survey of Italian Adolescents

Author

Listed:
  • Antonio Tintori

    (Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies, National Research Council of Italy, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Giulia Ciancimino

    (Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies, National Research Council of Italy, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Loredana Cerbara

    (Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies, National Research Council of Italy, 00185 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

The increase in screen time observed in recent years has exposed adolescents to a heightened risk of involvement in cyberbullying, negatively affecting their relational and psychological well-being. This study analyses data from a 2022 representative survey of Italian adolescents employing an interdisciplinary approach. Through bivariate analyses and logistic regression models, it investigates the key sociodemographic characteristics of perpetrators, victims, and victim-perpetrators, alongside the sociological and psychological factors associated with these roles. The findings reveal that cyberbullying victimisation disproportionately affects girls and foreign adolescents, though it spans across various family backgrounds, age groups, and school types. Of particular concern are those who are both perpetrators and victims (14.2%), as they represent the most vulnerable group. These adolescents, who react to online and offline violence with further online aggression, suffer from poor-quality relationships, adherence to racist stereotypes, tolerance for violence, and scarce psychological well-being, in terms of low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies, highlighting the crucial role of teachers and parents in in addressing and mitigating the impact of cyberbullying.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonio Tintori & Giulia Ciancimino & Loredana Cerbara, 2025. "Sociopsychological Analysis of a Highly Vulnerable Category of Adolescents: Victim-Perpetrators of Cyberbullying from a Wide National Survey of Italian Adolescents," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:2:p:25-:d:1581191
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shetgiri, R. & Lin, H. & Avila, R.M. & Flores, G., 2012. "Parental characteristics associated with bullying perpetration in us Children aged 10 to 17 years," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(12), pages 2280-2286.
    2. Estefanía Estévez & Elizabeth Cañas & Jesús F. Estévez & Amapola Povedano, 2020. "Continuity and Overlap of Roles in Victims and Aggressors of Bullying and Cyberbullying in Adolescence: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-15, October.
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