Hello! I’m Anastasiia, a doctoral researcher at the University of Turku, working at the research flagship centre “INVEST.” My PhD focuses on “Gender, Diversity, and Parental Involvement in Cyberbullying Interventions” as part of Project PARTICIPATE.
I’m conducting studies to understand how parents’ own childhood experiences influence the guidance they provide to their children regarding bullying and cyberbullying. For my first study, I collaborated with the CHALLENGE project, which provided a rich dataset to explore parental perspectives. Today, I’d like to share some insights into my research, highlighting why understanding parental involvement in cyberbullying interventions is essential for creating safer environments for children.
Background on Bullying and Cyberbullying
Bullying is an aggressive behavior among school peers characterized by repetition, power imbalances, and intentionality (Olweus, 2013). Recently, cyberbullying has emerged as a growing threat, occurring online through digital platforms. Cyberbullying can involve actions like posting harmful materials, exclusion, and cyber-stalking (Willard, 2007). When studying bullying and cyberbullying, researchers focus on coping strategies that both victims and perpetrators can use to handle its negative effects.
While existing research often centers on victims, it’s essential to understand the influence of parental involvement in cyberbullying interventions. Parents are vital actors, shaping their children’s responses to bullying situations, whether as victims, bystanders, or even perpetrators. This study looks specifically at how parents’ advice and past experiences play a role in their children’s ability to navigate these complex social situations.
The Importance of Parental Involvement in Cyberbullying Interventions
Although cyberbullying typically occurs within peer interactions, the family context can have a profound influence on how children cope with and respond to it (Bronfenbrenner, 1986). Family systems theory suggests that family dynamics impact a child’s social behavior and responses to conflict (Hammer, 1998). In this context, parental involvement in cyberbullying interventions becomes crucial, as parents can provide guidance and support that shapes their children’s understanding of and reactions to cyberbullying.
According to social learning theory, children learn behaviors and attitudes by observing and internalizing their parents’ actions. For instance, a parent who experienced bullying might encourage their child to avoid conflict, while another might promote assertiveness as a way to deal with it. Research suggests that parents who have been involved in bullying themselves may be more empathetic and proactive in addressing it within their families (Chen et al., 2023; Turhan, 2022). Thus, parental involvement is not only about advice but also about modeling responses that their children can learn from.
Gaps in Research: Why Parental Involvement in Cyberbullying Needs More Study
Exploring parental involvement in cyberbullying interventions reveals several gaps in current research, highlighting questions that could provide valuable insights:
- How do parents’ childhood experiences with bullying influence the advice they give?
Parents who were victims, bullies, or bystanders may have different approaches to guiding their children. This study explores these varied perspectives, seeking to understand the advice parents give based on their own experiences (Boddy et al., 2024; Cooper & Nickerson, 2013). - Do mothers and fathers approach cyberbullying differently?
Gender dynamics may play a role in how each parent supports their child through bullying situations, with potential differences in empathy, resilience-building, and coping strategies. - Do cultural or ethnic backgrounds influence parental involvement in cyberbullying?
Diverse cultural backgrounds can shape parenting styles and values, potentially leading to differences in how parents from various ethnic groups advise their children about bullying.
These questions underscore the importance of studying parental involvement in cyberbullying interventions from multiple angles, allowing us to create targeted resources and support for families.
How Parental Involvement Shapes Cyberbullying Responses
Research suggests that parents’ own experiences with bullying significantly influence their guidance on handling cyberbullying. Parents who were once bullied themselves might recommend different strategies compared to parents who were bystanders or bullies. Those with personal experience as victims may emphasize empathy, avoidance, or seeking help, while others might advocate for assertiveness or resilience.
Parental involvement also extends to actively participating in conversations about online safety, setting boundaries around digital use, and providing emotional support. By understanding how parental involvement in cyberbullying interventions varies, we can help parents feel more equipped to provide effective guidance. This research seeks to highlight these patterns, allowing parents and educators to offer tailored support based on children’s individual needs.
Conclusion: The Value of Studying Parental Involvement in Cyberbullying Interventions
Research into parental involvement in cyberbullying interventions shows that parents play a crucial role in shaping how children respond to bullying, both online and offline. Parents’ past experiences, cultural backgrounds, and individual beliefs all impact the advice they provide and how they support their children through these challenges. By deepening our understanding of parental involvement, we can develop resources that empower parents to play a proactive, supportive role in preventing and addressing cyberbullying.
As parents are essential stakeholders in anti-bullying efforts, my research aims to uncover the various ways they influence their children’s behaviors and responses to cyberbullying. By shedding light on these dynamics, we hope to make a positive impact on family-based interventions and support families in creating safe, supportive environments for children to navigate social challenges.
