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Cyberbullying Perpetration and Socio-Behavioral Correlates in Italian and Spanish Preadolescents: A Cross-National Study and Serial Mediation Analysis

Author

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  • Gianluca Mariano Colella

    (Department of Cultures, Education and Society, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, Arcavacata Di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy)

  • Rocco Carmine Servidio

    (Department of Cultures, Education and Society, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, Arcavacata Di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy)

  • Anna Lisa Palermiti

    (Department of Cultures, Education and Society, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, Arcavacata Di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy)

  • Maria Giuseppina Bartolo

    (Department of Cultures, Education and Society, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, Arcavacata Di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy)

  • Paula García-Carrera

    (Department of Psychology, Universidad de Córdoba, San Alberto Magno s/n, 14071 Córdoba, Spain)

  • Rosario Ortega-Ruiz

    (Department of Psychology, Universidad de Córdoba, San Alberto Magno s/n, 14071 Córdoba, Spain)

  • Eva M. Romera

    (Department of Psychology, Universidad de Córdoba, San Alberto Magno s/n, 14071 Córdoba, Spain)

Abstract

The spread of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has brought advantages and disadvantages, particularly impacting youth, who use the Internet and social media applications daily. In preadolescents’ social development, problematic social media use (PSMU) and cyberbullying (CB) are potential risk factors across several countries. PSMU is defined as the lack of regulation of social media platforms that is associated with negative outcomes in everyday life, while CB refers to using digital technology to harass, threaten, or embarrass another person. Among preadolescents, CB perpetration is frequently associated with cybervictimization (CV) experiences. The underlying mechanisms that drive this relationship have received limited attention. The aim of the cross-national comparative study, rooted in the general aggression model, is to investigate the direct and indirect effects between cyberbullying perpetration and cybervictimization, testing a model involving PSMU and moral disengagement (MD) as serial mediators in this association. A total of 895 Italian and Spanish preadolescents (M age = 11.23, SD age = 1.064) completed a self-report survey during school hours. Descriptive statistics were computed, and a serial mediation model was run. The results show that CV is positively associated with CB, and that PSMU and MD positively serially mediate the CV–CB link. This study’s insights suggest the need for tailored educational interventions targeting European youth, to promote more positive online social interactions and a safer digital environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Gianluca Mariano Colella & Rocco Carmine Servidio & Anna Lisa Palermiti & Maria Giuseppina Bartolo & Paula García-Carrera & Rosario Ortega-Ruiz & Eva M. Romera, 2025. "Cyberbullying Perpetration and Socio-Behavioral Correlates in Italian and Spanish Preadolescents: A Cross-National Study and Serial Mediation Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(3), pages 1-19, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:3:p:389-:d:1607568
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    References listed on IDEAS

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