Exploring the mediating roles of bullying, school fighting, and media literacy in the relationship between social-emotional competence and cyberbullying among adolescents
Abstract Background Cyberbullying has become a significant concern among adolescents, with various factors contributing to its prevalence. Previous research suggests that social-emotional competence can influence bullying behaviors and cyberbullying, but the mediating roles of bullying, school confl...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-08-01
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| Series: | BMC Psychology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03318-3 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Cyberbullying has become a significant concern among adolescents, with various factors contributing to its prevalence. Previous research suggests that social-emotional competence can influence bullying behaviors and cyberbullying, but the mediating roles of bullying, school conflict, and media literacy remain underexplored. Objectives This study aims to investigate how social-emotional competence relates to cyberbullying, specifically examining the mediating roles of bullying behaviors, school fighting, and media literacy among Iranian adolescents. Method A descriptive correlational design was employed with a sample of 564 high school students from three cities in China and one city in Tehran, selected through random cluster sampling. Data were collected using four instruments: the Social-Emotional Competence Questionnaire, the Media Literacy Questionnaire, the Illinois Bully Scale and the Cyberbullying Victimization Experience Questionnaire. Path analysis techniques were used for data analysis. Results The findings indicated that bullying behaviors, school conflicts, and media literacy significantly mediate the relationship between social-emotional competence and cyberbullying. Specifically, higher social-emotional competence was associated with reduced bullying behaviors and conflict, which in turn contributed to lower levels of cyberbullying. Conclusions The study highlights the importance of enhancing social-emotional competence in reducing bullying and cyberbullying. The findings suggest that interventions should focus on promoting social-emotional skills while also addressing bullying and school conflicts. Furthermore, integrating ethical education into media literacy programs is recommended to mitigate cyberbullying among adolescents. |
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| ISSN: | 2050-7283 |