The Internet’s dark side. ¿Does cyberbullying predict sexting?

Abstract

Introduction/Aims: Last years the extension of negative cyber conducts among child and adolescent population like cyberbullying and sexting has been confirmed. The aims of present study are: (1) to analyze cyberbullying and sexting practices among Secondary School students, attending to their roles of implication and its relationship with sex, age, academic year, and self-esteem; and (2) to identify the explanatory power of the roles in cyberbullying and self-esteem on sexting practices. Method: A retrospective ex post facto design in only group was conducted. Participants were 954 students (50.4% male), between 12 and 18 years (M = 13.71; DT = 1.31). ECIP-Q and Sex and Tech were used to analyze cyberbullying and sexting. Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was used to assess self-esteem. Results: Statistically significant differences in cyber aggression and sexting (adolescents who send messages to others) were observed according to sex, boys scoring higher than girls. Cybervictimization and self-esteem were explanatory variables of sexting when students were pressured to send texts, whereas cyberaggression was an explanatory variable of sexting participation with non-social pressure. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need of considering both problems for educational interventions in the school period.