Investigating the mechanisms of theory of planned behavior on Cyberbullying among Thai adolescents

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the etiological model of cyberbullying behaviors among Thai adolescents, testing the hypothesis that the constructs of theory of planned behavior (TPB), including self-esteem, will influence and have impact on cyberbullying intention and behaviors. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data. Self-administered questionnaires were used among multi-stage stratified random samples from secondary schools in the Bangkok. The sample size consisting of 354 subjects included those who were victims (44.7 percent), perpetrators (33.1 percent) and witness (67.8 percent). Findings The SEM showed subjective norm (SN) to be the most direct influential factor of cyberbullying intention and behaviors, followed by attitude toward cyberbullying (Intention β=0.31, 0.24; p=0.01, Behavior β=0.09, 0.07; p=0.012 and 0.05, respectively). However, the SEM revealed that all variables from TPB including self-esteem in the equation can explain the variation scores of intention and cyberbullying behaviors at 54 and 67 percent levels (adjusted R2=0.54 and 0.67), respectively. The SEM showed that model modification indices indicate a good fit to the data (χ2=0.00, df=0, p>0.05, CMIN/df=0, GFI=1, AGFI=1, CFI=1 and RMSEA=0). Research limitations/implications The experiences or witness of family violence and support at school level, which is supposed to mitigate the bullying problems, were neglected from this study. Practical implications The preventive measures for cyberbullying behaviors among adolescents should involve activities fostering self-esteem, developing proper attitude and SN to prevent cyberbullying. The initiatives and developed school supportive system for adolescents to understand how to control themselves when engaging in social network are imperative. However, for future research, family violence witness and attempt to lure the cyberbullying victims into offline meeting should be explored more. Social implications TPB and the use of social media should be taken into account for planning and designing appropriate intervention to reduce and eliminate cyberbullying among all stakeholders in both public and private sectors in the area of health and educational institutes in order to endeavor and to advocate the anti-cyberbullying policy in Thailand. Originality/value TPB and self-esteem explained a substantial portion of and more modest but significant amount of variance in cyberbullying intention and behaviors. However, SN and attitude toward cyberbullying which was found to be most influential factors could be the useful information for designing intervention toward cyberbullying prevention for Thai adolescents and advocate implementing the anti-cyberbullying policy in Thailand.

Theoretically Predicting Cyberbullying Perpetration in Youth With the BGCM: Unique Challenges and Promising Research Opportunities

“…Furthermore, cyberbullying intentions are likely a key mediator that could be integrated into BGCM. Several studies have shown that cyberbullying attitudes and behavior both correlate significantly with cyberbullying intentions (e.g., Heirman and Walrave, 2012 ; Pabian and Vandebosch, 2014 ; Auemaneekul et al, 2019 ).…”

Analysis of the Legal Basis to Mitigate Cyberbullying in Social Networks in Ecuador

“…The behavior of users in the network has a major impact on the development of cyberbullying, so that this does not happen, the family structure is very determinant in this aspect to raise self-esteem, play a leading role and users do not easily descend into intimidation. This should include activities that raise the self-esteem of their leaders and can be managed in an efficient and appropriate manner [11].…”

“…Cyberbullying is a type of violence in which people who commit bullying cannot be detected, or whether it is an act of an individual or a group of individuals cannot be determined [11]. Online social networks provide offenders with tools for aggressive actions and networks for committing misconduct.…”

“…The information and articles reviewed are: El ciberacoso es un problema en crecimiento que afecta hasta 1 de cada 10 niños en el mundo [1], Predicting Cyberbullying on Social Media in the Big Data Era Using Machine Learning Algorithms: Review of Literature and Open Challenges [2], Wordnet-Based Criminal Networks Mining for Cybercrime Investigation [3], Cyberbullying: una realidad de intimidación en las unidades [4], Telefónica Movistar: La realidad del ciberacoso en Ecuador y cómo denunciarlo [5], Cómo prevenir el ciberacoso o ciberbullying [6], Cyberbullying on social media platforms among university students in the United Arab Emirates [7], Impact on the Information Security Management due to the Use of Social Networks in a Public Organization in Ecuador [8], How students react to different cyberbullying events: Past experience, judgment, perceived seriousness, helping behavior and the effect of online disinhibition [9], Exposure to cyberbullying in WhatsApp classmates' groups and classroom climate as predictors of students' sense of belonging: A multi-level analysis of elementary, middle and high schools [10], Investigating the mechanisms of theory of planned behavior on Cyberbullying among Thai adolescents [11], Cyberbullying victimization at work: Social media identity bubble approach [12], Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicaciones [13], Ciberacoso, un dolor de cabeza para los padres [14], Moral disengagement and adolescents' cyberbullying perpetration: Student-student relationship and gender as moderators [15], National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC) [16].…”

Information Technology Use and Cyberbullying Behavior in South Thailand: A Test of the Goldilocks Hypothesis

“…Sittichai and Smith [ 36 ] reported a review of studies on bullying and cyberbullying in South-East Asian countries, including Thailand, before and up to 2014. Since 2014 studies of cyberbullying in Thailand among school students include [ 4 , 37 , 38 ], and [ 39 , 40 ] among university students. These studies have documented a variety of cyberbullying behaviors, and an appreciable incidence of the phenomenon, with actual incidence levels depending on the definitions and criteria.…”