A quantitative analysis of factors related to adolescent cybervictimization in Spain: A multilevel logistic regression approach

Abstract

Building on ecological systems theory, this study seeks to explain cybervictimization as the result of interactions among microsystems (parents and close friends), mesosystems (the school environment), and potential vulnerability factors of adolescents. Internet addiction is proposed as a key risk factor that increases adolescents’ likelihood of suffering cyberbullying. A multilevel logistic regression is performed using data from a nationally representative sample of school students in Spain aged 14 to 18 years (n = 35,369). The survey was carried out by the Spanish Government’s Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs. Results show that high levels of Internet addiction and a lack of support from family and friends increase the probability of suffering cyberbullying. The association between being cyberbullied and Internet addiction is stronger when students lack support from family and friends. School factors such as academic grades and repetition as well as vulnerability factors such as parents’ employment and immigrant status are also associated with higher cybervictimization levels. Implications for policymakers and public health managers are highlighted.