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Network Anonymity and Cyberbullying among Chinese Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Model

Author

Listed:
  • Lingbo Zhao

    (Department of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China)

  • Yingru Wu

    (Department of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China)

  • Xiayu Huang

    (Department of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China)

  • Lin Zhang

    (School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430056, China
    Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430056, China
    Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430056, China)

Abstract

Cyberbullying is an important issue which prevails among children and adolescents. The present study aimed to investigate the association between network anonymity and cyberbullying behavior and examine the mediating role of network morality and the moderating role of self-control in the linkage of network anonymity and cyberbullying behavior. A total of 620 participants were recruited from three high schools in southeast China and were required to complete a questionnaire measuring network anonymity, cyberbullying behavior, network morality, and self-control. A moderated mediation model was conducted by using PROCESS Macro for SPSS 3.5. The results showed that network anonymity was negatively associated with cyberbullying behavior among Chinese adolescents. Network morality mediated the association and self-control moderated the indirect association between network anonymity and cyberbullying behavior via network morality. These findings indicate that improving the network morality and self-control of adolescents with the joint efforts of individuals, families, government, and society as a whole may be an effective intervention strategy for cyberbullying behavior under the framework of digital citizens.

Suggested Citation

  • Lingbo Zhao & Yingru Wu & Xiayu Huang & Lin Zhang, 2022. "Network Anonymity and Cyberbullying among Chinese Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-11, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:2:p:637-:d:719244
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wang, Lin & Ngai, Steven Sek-yum, 2020. "The effects of anonymity, invisibility, asynchrony, and moral disengagement on cyberbullying perpetration among school-aged children in China," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    2. Yang, Xiaohui & Wang, Zhenhong & Chen, Huan & Liu, Danni, 2018. "Cyberbullying perpetration among Chinese adolescents: The role of interparental conflict, moral disengagement, and moral identity," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 256-263.
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    Cited by:

    1. Anna Sorrentino & Francesco Sulla & Margherita Santamato & Marco di Furia & Giusi Antonia Toto & Lucia Monacis, 2023. "Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Cyberbullying and Cybervictimization Prevalence among Children and Adolescents? A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(10), pages 1-20, May.

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