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Cyberbullying: New Evidence of Its Evolution From Ages 12 to 20

Abstract:

In recent years, interest and social concern about cyberbullying have been increasing. For this reason, epidemiological research, the study of risk-protection factors, and the development of proposals for prevention and intervention are badly needed. Within this context, the study aimed to analyze the changes occurring with age in the prevalence of cyberbullying in Cantabrian adolescents and youth. The sample is made up of 1,322 participants aged between 12 and 20 years. A descriptive, comparative, epidemiological, and cross-sectional design was used, and the “Cyberbullying. Screening of Peer Harassment” (Garaigordobil, 2013) was administered. The results of the contingency analysis confirmed a significant increase in the percentage of cybervictims, cyberbullies, and cyberbystanders as age increased. In general, lower percentages were observed at 12-13 years, a significant increase at age 14, which remained stable or even increased in the last age group (18-20 years). Moreover, the results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed that the amount of cyberbullying behavior carried out by cyberbullies and witnessed by cyberbystanders increased significantly as age increased. The study provides evidence of the increase of cyberbullying with age. These results allow us to emphasize the importance of implementing strategies and programs for the prevention and elimination of the cyberbullying throughout all the school years.