Abstract:

This research aims to study the risks associated with the use of digital technologies, and to contribute to deepen the understanding of the phenomenon of bullying and cyberbullying, from the perspectives of adolescents and their families. For this purpose, a qualitative study was conducted and two semi-structured interviews were designed and administered with thirteen adolescents of both sexes, aged between 13 and 17 years old, (7 boys, 2 of them were living with their families and 5 were living in residential care institutions; and 5 girls living with their families) and with six family members, five mothers and one father. Results revealed that adolescents in residential care testify more situations of bullying than cyberbullying or any other digital risks because they do not have access to computers or other digital device in the residential care (just in school). The adolescents living with their family’s report exposure to harmful content (visualization of maltreated or sick persons and animals, pornography) as the most frequent digital risks and 4 describe episodes of cyberbullying (3 as victims and 1 as aggressor). 4 adolescents living with family’s don´t perceive any rules established by their parents to use digital technologies but 9 adolescents (all those 5 living in residential care and 4 living with their families) testify having rules to use electronic devices and internet imposed by families and/or teachers. The majority of adolescents are able to define cyberbullying. Although members of family have an idea of what is cyberbullying, they have difficulties in defining it. In spite of this, all these family members testify occasional episodes of bullying, cyberbullying or other digital risks experienced by their sons and daughters. When they describe negative aspects of technology, they identify the dependency caused by games; exposure of private life and exposure to harmful contents as the major digital risks for adolescents. 4 of the family members admit to establish rules for the use of internet of their sons and daughters and just one don’t impose any rule due to his confidence in his daughter. Data are discussed in terms of prevention strategies for bullying and cyberbullying, especially in terms of the type of mediation role that family and teachers could play to prevent bullying, cyberbullying and other technological digital risks.

Keywords:

Adolescents, digital risks, bullying, cyberbullying, families.