The Role of parenting styles in the development of cyberbullying behavior among university undergraduates

Abstract

Adolescence is a period characterized by intense emotions, and aggression is a common behavior, particularly among adolescent boys. Aggressive behaviors can manifest in various forms, including physical aggression and virtual contexts, such as bullying and cyberbullying. Environmental factors and parenting styles significantly influence both types of aggression, particularly elements of the family environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of parenting styles in the development of cyberbullying behaviour among university students. The sample for this cross-sectional correlational study included 200 university students, with an equal distribution of 100 boys and 100 girls, aged between 18 and 25 years. Four research tools were utilized to measure the study's variables: 1. Personal Information Questionnaire, 2. Cyberbullying Victimization Scale, 3. Cyberbullying Offending Scale, and 4. Alabama Parenting Questionnaire. Data were collected from various departments of Sindh University using a simple random sampling technique. The survey method through a questionnaire technique was used for data collection. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 26. The findings revealed significant effects of parenting styles on cyberbullying behaviors. A positive correlation was found between cyberbullying victimization and inconsistent discipline (r = 0.110, p = 0.123). A negative correlation between cyberbullying victimization and positive parenting (r = -0.322, p = 0.000). A positive correlation was found between cyberbullying offending and corporal punishment parenting (r = 0.194, p = 0.006). Additionally, the results indicated that male students are more likely to engage in cyber aggression compared to female students. The findings of the study suggest building control centers and anti-harassment cells in universities, and there is also a dire need for psychological counselling cells for students who are facing the challenging situation of cyberbullying victims and offenders. Findings give social workers suggestions for organizing seminars and awareness programs about parenting.