Peer Cyber-aggression in School Context

Abstract

Cyber aggression is any behavior done through the use of technology that is intended to harm another person. The objective of this study is to explore cyber aggression behaviors in a group of adolescents and analyze their differences by age and gender. A sample of 1981 (49.7% boys: 50.3% girls) secondary school adolescents (Mage=12.9; DT: 1.73) was used. Boys obtain a higher score than girls in behaviors linked to aggression. Within the age group of adolescents, the older the age, the greater number of cyber aggression behaviors. In both cases, the mean differences are statistically significant. Older adolescents have a more frequent use, greater autonomy in the use of social networks and less parental control, which could increase the prevalence in cyber aggression. Boys often socialize with more open and direct behaviors of aggression, traits of strength or courage that can influence their role as perpetrators of cyber aggression.