Social Networking and Online Self-Disclosure as Predictors of Cyberbullying Victimization Among Children and Youth

Jul 7, 2026

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Social networking sites and personal information sharing have become widespread among children and youth, increasing concern about cyberbullying victimization (CV). This study examines whether Internet and SNS activity, online self-disclosure, and students’ education institution phase predict CV. Data from 5719 Israeli primary and secondary students in 2019–2020 were analyzed using regression and moderation. Results show predictive effects both independently and in combination, with higher CV prevalence in primary and among male students, informing school and parent guidance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

Introduction

Background and Need for Understanding Cyberbullying Victimization

Role of Social Networking and Online Self-Disclosure

Study Rationale and Research Aim

Children and Youth Services Review 119 (2020) 105695 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Children and Youth Services Review journal [homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/childyouth](homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/childyouth) | Social networking and online self-disclosure as predictors of cyberbullying victimization among children and youth Dana Aizenkot Ashkelon Academic College, Department of Multidisciplinary Studies in Social science, Israel | | | | --- | --- | --- | | A R T I C L E I N F O | | A B S T R A C T | | Keywords: Cyberbullying Social networks Online self-disclosure Internet Primary school Secondary school | | With mass acceptance and use of social networking sites (SNSs), many people now regularly disclose personal information via SNSs. Self-disclosure on SNSs has been connected to higher incidences of cyberbullying, which is concerning for children and youth who use SNSs. The current research aims to examine Internet and SNS activity, online self-disclosure and the education institution phase as predictors of cyberbullying victimization (CV), among children and youth. It was hypothesized that Internet and SNS activity, online self-disclosure and the education institution phase predict CV. Data were collected from 5719 primary and secondary Israeli students (51.9% females) during the 2019–2020 school year via online questionnaires. Regression analyses and moderation analysis were conducted to assess the predictability of CV from Internet and SNS activity, online self-disclosure and the education institution phase. Findings indicate that Internet and SNS activity, online self-disclosure and the education institution phase predict CV, both separately and in convergence. Additionally, CV is more prevalent in primary schools compared to secondary schools, and in male students compared to female students. Implications for school programs and guidelines for parents address the predictive factors of CV found. This study expands the knowledge of the impact of Internet and SNS activity and online self-disclosure on CV. | 1. Introduction The development of information and communication technologies (ICT) has brought many benefits for children and youth (O’Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson, 2011), but also threats and risks (Aizenkot & KashyRosenbaum, 2019; Ansary, 2020). One such risk has been conceptualized as cyberbullying (Smith et al., 2008), i.e., an aggressive, intentional act via ICT carried out repeatedly and over time against a target (Smith et al., 2008). Given the worldwide prevalence of cyberbullying (Brochado et al., 2016; Inchley, et al., 2016) and the significant harmful implications for the victims (Ansary, 2020; Kowalski et al., 2019; Olweus & Limber, 2018; Vaillancourt et al., 2017), there is an urgent need to better understand this phenomenon and the factors that predict it as a basis for effective prevention and intervention efforts. Participation in social networking sites (SNSs) has become increasingly ubiquitous and compulsory among youth (Robards, 2014) in recent years. Massive Internet and SNS use that leads to constant online interaction and availability of users (Ansary, 2020) has been connected to higher incidences of cyberbullying (G¨orzig & ´Olafsson, 2013; Peluchette et al., 2015; Schultz et al., 2014) and cyberbullying victimization (CV) (Aizenkot, 2017; Mesch, 2009; O’Dea & Campbell, 2012). Several studies, however, found that SNS use (O’Dea & Campbell, 2012; Rodríguez-Enríquez et al., 2019) and Internet engagement (Rodríguez-Enríquez et al., 2019) alone are not significant predictors of CV. Therefore, it has been argued that more research is needed in order to better understand the predictability of CV from Internet and SNS use (Rodríguez-Enríquez et al., 2019). The contemporary culture of sharing and interaction in SNSs (Robards, 2014) has gradually taken personal information sharing rates to an unprecedented level (Conger et al., 2012; Hodkinson, 2017).

FAQs

What factors does the study test as predictors of cyberbullying victimization (CV)?

The study tests Internet and SNS activity, online self-disclosure, and the education institution phase as predictors of CV among children and youth.

How was the data collected and analyzed?

Data were collected from 5719 Israeli primary and secondary students through online questionnaires during the 2019–2020 school year. Regression analyses and moderation analysis were used to assess predictability of CV.

What differences in CV prevalence did the study find?

CV was more prevalent in primary schools than in secondary schools, and it was more common among male students than among female students.

Jul 7, 2026

Upload by Jiven