Investigation of internet usage characteristics mental problems and family styles of adolescent who have experienced cyber victimization

Introduction and Aim: As a result of developing technology, the internet has an important place in the lives of children and adolescents. Although the use of the internet and technological devices provides opportunities such as accessing information, increasing social communication and eliminating curiosity, it has been associated with a number of risks, such as cyberbullying and cyber victimization. Cyber victimization is a current issue that has become increasingly important in recent years. This study examines the internet usage characteristics, mental health problems and internet family styles of adolescents who have experienced cyber victimization by comparing the findings of the test group with the findings from a clinical comparison group. Method: The study was performed in the outpatient unit of the child and adolescent psychiatry department at Dokuz Eylul University Hospital. According to the Cyber Victimization Scale (CVS), 42 adolescents (aged between 12-17 years) who experienced cyber victimization formed the "cyber victim" and 42 adolescents who did not experience cyber victimization formed the "control" groups. Psychiatric assessment was performed using KSADS-PL (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version). Sociodemographic and Internet use data form, Internet Addiction Scale (IAS), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) Scale, Child Depression Inventory (CDI) and Internet Parenting Style Scale were performed. Results: Academic achievement (p=0.043) and peer relationship (p=0.006) were found to be lower in the cyber victim group. The cyber victim group had higher rates of school absenteeism (p=0.002) and disciplinary problems (p=0.01). Smoking, psychotropic use and suicide attempt history were found to be significantly higher in the cyber victim group. Family togetherness was higher in the control group (p=0.004). Major Depresif Disorder was found to be more common in the cyber victim group (p=0.001). The daily internet (p<0.001) and social media xiv usage time (p=0.006) of the cyber-victim group were found to be higher. There are significant differences between the two groups in terms of accessibility to technological devices. Adolescents in the cyber-victim group started using the internet at a younger age (p=0.006). It was found that the IAS, CDI, SCARED scores were significantly higher in the cyber victim group compared to the control group. In addition Internalizing, Externalizing and Total Problem scores of the CBCL are significantly higher in the cyber victim group. There is no significant difference between the two groups in terms of Internet Parenting Styles. A moderate significant correlation was found between the CVS and SCARED Separation Anxiety Disorder subscale score; CVS and CBCL Anxiety/Depression, Rule Breaking, Aggressive Behaviors, Attention Problems subscale scores; CVS and CBCL Externalizing, Total Problem scores. Conclusion: The adolescents experiencing cyber victimization in our study experienced more mental health problems, more likely engaged in risky internet usage, and had fewer academic achievements and peer relationships; these findings emphasize the importance of preventing cyber victimization and combating cyberbullying. It is necessary to increase the awareness of youths, families, school administrations and teachers about cyber victimization.