CYBERBULLYING AND VICTIMIZATION IN ADOLESCENTS WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER: THE ROLE OF DIGITAL RISK FACTORS
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: This study aims to determine the prevalence of cyberbullying and cybervictimization among adolescents diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It also examines the sociodemographic, psychiatric, and digital variables associated with these behaviors.
Methods: A total of 107 adolescents diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder participated in the study. Data were collected using a researcher-developed interview form, the Turgay DSM-IV-Based Child and Adolescent Behavior Disorders Screening and Rating Scale, the Young Internet Addiction Scale, and the Revised Cyber Bullying Inventory. Cyberbullying and cybervictimization statuses were assessed using the Revised Cyberbullying Inventory. Variables found to be significant in bivariate analyses were further analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.
Results: Problematic internet use emerged as the strongest predictor of both cyberbullying and cybervictimization. Using the internet for downloading programs was also a significant predictor for both. Additionally, maternal education level significantly predicted cybervictimization, while low academic achievement was a significant predictor of cyberbullying.
Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need to focus on the quality of online behaviors among adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. These individuals may be particularly vulnerable to both perpetrating and experiencing cyberbullying due to problematic internet use and engagement in technically demanding online activities. Evaluating digital habits based on content and function is crucial for the prevention of cyberbullying and cybervictimization.
Keywords:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Adolescents, Cyberbullying, Cybervictimization, Problematic Internet Use, Digital Risk Behaviors.
Article Details
How to Cite
DEMIRTAŞ, Özgür Önder; AKKUŞ, Serdar; KIZILDAĞ, Süleyman.
CYBERBULLYING AND VICTIMIZATION IN ADOLESCENTS WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER: THE ROLE OF DIGITAL RISK FACTORS.
Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], v. 13, n. 7, july 2025.
ISSN 2375-1924.
Available at: <https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/6748>. Date accessed: 05 dec. 2025.
doi: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v13i7.6748.
Section
Research Articles
The Medical Research Archives grants authors the right to publish and reproduce the unrevised contribution in whole or in part at any time and in any form for any scholarly non-commercial purpose with the condition that all publications of the contribution include a full citation to the journal as published by the Medical Research Archives.
References
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21. Turgay A. Disruptive Behavior Disorders Child and Adolescent Screening and Rating Scales for Children. Integrative Therapy Institute Publication; 1994.
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23. Young KS. Caught in the Net: How to Recognize the Signs of Internet Addiction--and a Winning Strategy for Recovery | Wiley. Wiley.com.
24. Boysan M, Kuss DJ, Barut Y, Ayköse N, Güleç M, Özdemir O. Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Addict Behav. 2017;64:247-252. doi:10.1016/j.ad dbeh.2015.09.002
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26. Erdur-Baker Ö, Kavsut F. Cyber bullying: A new face of peer bullying. EURASIAN J Educ Res. 2007; 7(27). Accessed June 13, 2025.
https://avesis.metu.edu.tr/yayin/63c7cf79-ad66-404f-b9fc-0c43a8c1a6b0/cyber-bullying-a-new-face-of-peer-bullying
27. Spada MM. An overview of problematic Internet use. Addict Behav. 2014;39(1):3-6. doi:10.1016/j.a ddbeh.2013.09.007
28. Sarier Y. Turkey’s Analysis of Cyberbullying and Cyber Victimization of Students in Turkey in Terms of Demographic Variables by Meta-Analysis Method. Kastamonu Eğitim Derg. 2022;30(2):283-296. doi:10.24106/kefdergi.754228
29. Apan FG, Gündüz Ş. Determination of Cyber Victimizations According to Perceived Parental Internet Attitudes of Middle School Students. Particip Educ Res. 2023;10(4):90-110. doi:10.17275/per.23.61.10.4
30. Lam LT, Cheng Z, Liu X. Violent Online Games Exposure and Cyberbullying/Victimization Among Adolescents. Cyberpsychology Behav Soc Netw. 2013;16(3):159-165. doi:10.1089/cyber.2012.0087
31. Febrianti RW, Setiyowati E. Dampak Toxic Game Terhadap Cyber Bullying. JIK J ILMU Kesehat. 2023;7(1):70. doi:10.33757/jik.v7i1.652
32. Ildırım E, Çalıcı C, Erdoğan B. Psychological Correlates of Cyberbullying and Cyber-Victimization. Int J Hum Behav Sci. Published online December 29, 2017. doi:10.19148/ijhbs.365829
33. Kudlova K, Sleziakova A. A review of research on cybervictimization and cyberaggression in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders with a focus on adhd. Slavon Pedagog Stud J. 2023;12 (2):73-85. doi:10.18355/PG.2023.12.2.1
34. Pabian S, Vandebosch H. (Cyber)bullying Perpetration as an Impulsive, Angry Reaction Following (Cyber)bullying Victimisation? In: Walrave M, Ponnet K, Vanderhoven E, Haers J, Segaert B, eds. Youth 2.0: Social Media and Adolescence. Springer International Publishing; 2016:193-209. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-27893-3_11
35. Zhang X, Li Y, Wang H, et al. Relationship between bullying victimization and murderous behaviors and impulsivity’s mediating role: Evidence from Chinese early adolescents. J Affect Disord. 2024;364:20-27. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.007
36. Mills L, McLoughlin LT, Driver C, et al. Social Connectedness and Impulsivity as Predictors of Cyberbullying Behaviors in Early Adolescence. J Aggress Maltreatment Trauma. 2023;32(5):726-744. doi:10.1080/10926771.2022.2164535
37. Stenseng F, Skalická V, Skaug SS, Belsky J, Wichstrøm L. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and bullying victimization from childhood to adolescence - A within-person cross-lagged approach. Dev Psychopathol. Published online October 4, 2024:1-11. doi:10.1017/S0954579424 001251
2. Marciano L, Schulz PJ, Camerini AL. Cyberbullying Perpetration and Victimization in Youth: A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies. J Comput-Mediat Commun. 2020;25(2):163-181. doi:10.1093/jcmc/zmz031
3. Zhu C, Huang S, Evans R, Zhang W. Cyberbullying Among Adolescents and Children: A Comprehensive Review of the Global Situation, Risk Factors, and Preventive Measures. Front Public Health. 2021;9:634909. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.6 34909
4. Kumar VL, Goldstein MA. Cyberbullying and Adolescents. Curr Pediatr Rep. 2020;8(3):86-92. doi:10.1007/s40124-020-00217-6
5. Kasturiratna KTAS, Hartanto A, Chen CHY, Tong EMW, Majeed NM. Umbrella review of meta-analyses on the risk factors, protective factors, consequences and interventions of cyberbullying victimization. Nat Hum Behav. 2024;9(1):101-132. doi:10.1038/s41562-024-02011-6
6. Hoareau N. Cyberbullying, Self-control, Information, and Electronic Communication Technologies: Do Adolescents Know How to Exercise Self-control on the Internet? | Request PDF. ResearchGate. doi:10.1007/s42380-021-00099-2
7. Hussain Z, Kircaburun K, Savcı M, Griffiths MD. The role of aggression in the association of cyberbullying victimization with cyberbullying perpetration and problematic social media use among adolescents. J Concurr Disord. Published online 2023. doi:10.54127/AOJW5819
8. Álvarez-García D, Núñez Pérez JC, Dobarro González A, Rodríguez Pérez C. Risk factors associated with cybervictimization in adolescence. Int J Clin Health Psychol. 2015;15(3):226-235. doi:10.1016/j.ijchp.2015.03.002
9. Liu TL, Hsiao RC, Chou WJ, Yen CF. Perpetration of and Victimization in Cyberbullying and Traditional Bullying in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Roles of Impulsivity, Frustration Intolerance, and Hostility. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(13):6872. doi:10.3390/ijerph18136872
10. Schulz PJ, Boldi MO, Van Ackere A. Adolescent Cyberbullying and Cyber Victimization: Longitudinal Study Before and During COVID-19 (Preprint). Published online December 23, 2024. doi:10.2196/preprints.70508
11. Jaskulska S, Jankowiak B, Pérez-Martínez V, et al. Bullying and Cyberbullying Victimization and Associated Factors among Adolescents in Six European Countries. Sustainability. 2022;14(21):14 063. doi:10.3390/su142114063
12. Hinduja S, Patchin JW. Bullying, cyberbullying, and suicide. Arch Suicide Res Off J Int Acad Suicide Res. 2010;14(3):206-221. doi:10.1080/13811118.2 010.494133
13. Griffith CE, Tetzlaff-Bemiller M, Hunter LY. Understanding the cyber-victimization of young people: A test of routine activities theory. Telemat Inform Rep. 2023;9:100042. doi:10.1016/j.teler.20 23.100042
14. Kök Özyürek BE, Alnak A, Coşkun M. Cyber-Victimization /Bullying Among Turkish Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Deviant Behav. 2024;45(7):965-976. doi:10.1080/0163962 5.2023.2268793
15. Gini G, Marino C, Xie JY, Pfetsch J, Pozzoli T. Associations of traditional and peer cyber-victimization with adolescents’ internet Use: A latent profile analysis. Cyberpsychology J Psychosoc Res Cyberspace. 2019;13(4). doi:10.5817/CP2019-4-1
16. Biederman J, Faraone SV. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The Lancet. 2005;366 (9481):237-248. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)66915-2
17. Ayano G, Tsegay L, Gizachew Y, Demelash S, Alati R. The Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents: An Umbrella Review of Global Evidence. Eur Psychiatry. 2024; 67(S1):S76-S76. doi:10.1192/j.eurpsy.2024.203
18. Fogleman ND, McQuade JD, Mehari KR, Becker SP. In-person victimization, cyber victimization, and polyvictimization in relation to internalizing symptoms and self-esteem in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Child Care Health Dev. 2021;47(6):805-815. doi:10.1111/cch.12888
19. Demirtaş OO, Alnak A, Coşkun M. Lifetime depressive and current social anxiety are associated with problematic internet use in adolescents with ADHD: a cross‐sectional study. Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2021;26(3):220-227. doi:10.1111/camh.12440
20. Koot HM. Pathological Internet Use, Aggression, and Cyberbullying in Children and Adolescents With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Editorial Comment. Alpha Psychiatry. 2022;23(2):74-75. doi:10.5152/alphapsychiatry.20 22.2210222
21. Turgay A. Disruptive Behavior Disorders Child and Adolescent Screening and Rating Scales for Children. Integrative Therapy Institute Publication; 1994.
22. Ercan ES, Amado S, Somer O, Çikoğlu S. Development of a test battery for the assessment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [in Turkish]. Turk J Child Adolesc Ment Health 8132–44.
23. Young KS. Caught in the Net: How to Recognize the Signs of Internet Addiction--and a Winning Strategy for Recovery | Wiley. Wiley.com.
24. Boysan M, Kuss DJ, Barut Y, Ayköse N, Güleç M, Özdemir O. Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Addict Behav. 2017;64:247-252. doi:10.1016/j.ad dbeh.2015.09.002
25. Topcu Ç, Erdur-Baker Ö. The Revised Cyber Bullying Inventory (RCBI): validity and reliability studies. Procedia - Soc Behav Sci. 2010;5:660-664. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.07.161
26. Erdur-Baker Ö, Kavsut F. Cyber bullying: A new face of peer bullying. EURASIAN J Educ Res. 2007; 7(27). Accessed June 13, 2025.
https://avesis.metu.edu.tr/yayin/63c7cf79-ad66-404f-b9fc-0c43a8c1a6b0/cyber-bullying-a-new-face-of-peer-bullying
27. Spada MM. An overview of problematic Internet use. Addict Behav. 2014;39(1):3-6. doi:10.1016/j.a ddbeh.2013.09.007
28. Sarier Y. Turkey’s Analysis of Cyberbullying and Cyber Victimization of Students in Turkey in Terms of Demographic Variables by Meta-Analysis Method. Kastamonu Eğitim Derg. 2022;30(2):283-296. doi:10.24106/kefdergi.754228
29. Apan FG, Gündüz Ş. Determination of Cyber Victimizations According to Perceived Parental Internet Attitudes of Middle School Students. Particip Educ Res. 2023;10(4):90-110. doi:10.17275/per.23.61.10.4
30. Lam LT, Cheng Z, Liu X. Violent Online Games Exposure and Cyberbullying/Victimization Among Adolescents. Cyberpsychology Behav Soc Netw. 2013;16(3):159-165. doi:10.1089/cyber.2012.0087
31. Febrianti RW, Setiyowati E. Dampak Toxic Game Terhadap Cyber Bullying. JIK J ILMU Kesehat. 2023;7(1):70. doi:10.33757/jik.v7i1.652
32. Ildırım E, Çalıcı C, Erdoğan B. Psychological Correlates of Cyberbullying and Cyber-Victimization. Int J Hum Behav Sci. Published online December 29, 2017. doi:10.19148/ijhbs.365829
33. Kudlova K, Sleziakova A. A review of research on cybervictimization and cyberaggression in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders with a focus on adhd. Slavon Pedagog Stud J. 2023;12 (2):73-85. doi:10.18355/PG.2023.12.2.1
34. Pabian S, Vandebosch H. (Cyber)bullying Perpetration as an Impulsive, Angry Reaction Following (Cyber)bullying Victimisation? In: Walrave M, Ponnet K, Vanderhoven E, Haers J, Segaert B, eds. Youth 2.0: Social Media and Adolescence. Springer International Publishing; 2016:193-209. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-27893-3_11
35. Zhang X, Li Y, Wang H, et al. Relationship between bullying victimization and murderous behaviors and impulsivity’s mediating role: Evidence from Chinese early adolescents. J Affect Disord. 2024;364:20-27. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.007
36. Mills L, McLoughlin LT, Driver C, et al. Social Connectedness and Impulsivity as Predictors of Cyberbullying Behaviors in Early Adolescence. J Aggress Maltreatment Trauma. 2023;32(5):726-744. doi:10.1080/10926771.2022.2164535
37. Stenseng F, Skalická V, Skaug SS, Belsky J, Wichstrøm L. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and bullying victimization from childhood to adolescence - A within-person cross-lagged approach. Dev Psychopathol. Published online October 4, 2024:1-11. doi:10.1017/S0954579424 001251