Cyberbullying and self-esteem: An Italian study

In this study, the cyberbullying risk related to self-esteem, social, and personal variables was investigated. Cyberbullying describes a pervasive form of aggressive behaviour aimed at offending victims who are unable to protect themselves. A considerable sample of Italian young people were interviewed using standardized questionnaires. The results of the current study showed that, although few subjects were affected by cyberbullying (perpetrators and victims), a relationship exists between lower levels of self-esteem and cyberbullying risks. The role of parental control represents a good opportunity for the subjects in preventing aggressive behaviour. In general, this study underlines the importance to design and realize specific didactical programs to prevent aggressive behaviour, and to increase parental awareness about cyberbullying risks. •The study explored the cyberbullying risks among adolescent students.•Standardized questionnaires to explore the cyberbullying effects were used.•Survey data from 438 participants indicated that males and females showed cyberbullying risks.•Parent control reduce the subject's risk to be involved in aggressive behaviour.•Lower levels of self-esteem predicted cyberbullying risks.