Profiles of Mobile Phone Problem Use in Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Adolescents

Abstract

Technology is being used by individuals of all ages; young children show a high tendency of problematic use of devices such as smartphones. This study aimed to identify different profiles that vary in conflicts related to problematic mobile phone use and maladaptive communication and emotional patterns. Therefore, we examined whether there are significant differences in bullying and cyberbullying among teenagers who have a problem utilizing mobile phones. The study participants were 810 students of Compulsory Secondary Education (M = 13.99, SD = 1.32), with 52.2% being girls. Questionnaires on school violence and experiences related to mobile phones were administered. The latent profile analysis identified three different types of problematic mobile phone use: (a) low levels of conflict was associated with mobile phone abuse and low levels of communication and emotional use; (b) moderate levels of conflict was associated with mobile phone abuse and moderate levels of communication and emotional use; and (c) high levels of conflict was associated with mobile phone abuse and high levels of communication and emotional use. The study results highlight significant differences in the manifestations of school violence between the profiles. Finally, this study's findings form the basis for the development of education programs to prevent mobile phone abuse and school violence and therefore academic adjustment.

Profiles of Mobile Phone Use, Cyberbullying, and Emotional Intelligence in Adolescents

“…Thus, it has been shown that emotional regulation is relevant in mobile phone use since those adolescents who had non-problematic use had adequate values compared to adolescents with moderately problematic use [18][19][20][21][22][23]. In addition, problematic mobile phone use has been associated with increased involvement in cyberbullying [40][41][42][43][44][45]. This is in line with research that suggests that the problematic use of new technologies is done to alleviate aggression or prevent impulsivity [32].…”

“…Therefore, it has become clear that the problematic use of mobile phone is used as a tool to regulate emotions. Thus, the problematic use of mobile phones affects emotional intelligence and self-regulation, and therefore, the individual well-being and quality of life of adolescents [25], as well as interpersonal relationships, which manifests as bullying and cyberbullying situations [40][41][42][43][44][45].…”

“…Those teens with their own phones with Internet access have greater involvement in the role of a cyberbully aggressor [43][44][45]. In previous research, we have shown that teens with increased problematic mobile phone use are involved in bullying and cyberbullying situations [42]. However, it is also understood that new technologies are used as a buffer to minimize aggression or prevent impulsivity rather than genuinely regulating emotions [32].…”

“…Thus, there is evidence that the problematic use of new technologies is linked to problems of bullying and cyberbullying [40][41][42]. Those teens with their own phones with Internet access have greater involvement in the role of a cyberbully aggressor [43][44][45].…”

Role-Based Cyberbullying Situations: Cybervictims, Cyberaggressors and Cyberbystanders

“…In its broadest sense, cyberbullying is any behavior that is performed using technology, particularly the internet, by an individual or group that involves repeatedly sending aggressive messages or other similar actions with the intention of causing harm [2]. Like traditional bullying, cyberbullying can have long-term effects for its adolescent victims [3], with technology being one of the most important risk factors [4].…”