Violence through ICT: behaviors differentiated by gender)

Abstract

The impact that gender stereotypes have on violence through information and communication technologies (ICT) is a frequent concern in the school, family and individual framework. The objective of the study was to know the influence of gender on violence through ICT, and identify which socio-school variables are associated. Quantitative research of descriptive-inferential-correlational type, with a sample of 1.495 individuals between the ages of 10 and 17 (M = 12.69; DT = 1.92). An ad hoc questionnaire (socio-school data) and the scale of school violence (CUVE-R) by Álvarez-García, Núñez, Rodríguez, Álvarez and Dobarro (2011) have been used. The data show a low-medium level of ICT violence, with a higher prevalence in both genders of sending messages of offense, insult or threat. However, the female gender does it through the Internet (Tuenti, Facebook, etc.) and the male using the mobile. Likewise, there are statistically significant differences in gender when recording or taking photos with the mobile phone to make fun of peers or teachers, with a greater incidence by the male gender. There are also differences in gender according to age. ICT violence stagnates from the age of 13 on the female gender, while the male continues to increase slightly. In conclusion, gender is a variable to keep in mind in preventive or intervention programs focused on minimizing this problem.