Parental Mediation and Cyberbullying: A Narrative Literature Review

Valeria Rega, Francesca Gioia, Valentina Boursier • 5/19/2022

Abstract

Abstract Cyberbullying represents a widespread Internet-based risk among children and adolescents. Therefore, scientific research largely focused on protective factors, such as the increasingly explored parental mediation (PM) of technology use. This study reviewed the last decade's literature about the relationship between cyberbullying and PM, considering the main variables involved in this relationship. A total of 18 papers were selected, including samples aged between 8 and 18 years and showing mixed findings on the preventive role of restrictive PM strategies on cyberbullying. However, active and co-viewing PM decreased the risk of children and adolescents’ involvement in cyberbullying. Moreover, PM was found to be effective in preventing cyberbullying, especially among children rather than adolescents. Furthermore, PM seemed to protect against cyberbullying and related psychopathological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. Consistency between general parenting style and cyber-specific PM styles decreased the risk of cyberbullying, while an inconsistent PM style exacerbated this risk. Finally, important implications for future research directions were extensively explored in the discussion section.

Citations: 7