Parents’ awareness, experience, knowledge and perceptions on cyberbullying within three semi urban districts in Malaysia

Abstract

Background: To investigate parents’ experience, knowledge, awareness, and perceptions on cyberbullying within 3 semi urban districts in Malaysia. Methods: Cross sectional study based on an adapted self-administered Perceptions and Awareness of Cyberbullying (PPAC) questionnaire was administered on 130 participants. Majority [60%) of the respondents were females. Findings: The mean age of the respondents is 31.8 years; with majority [63%] Malays, 22% Chinese and 13% Indians. Most [85%] of them are married with at least 1 child; 55% of the respondents had primary or secondary school education and 63% of them have a household income < EUR640.00. Respondents spent 6 hours a day surfing the net; most (90%) own social media accounts. Substantial [66%] number of the respondents demonstrated high levels of knowledge on cyberbullying; with  26% claimed they experienced cyberbullying before, either as a perpetrator or a victim. Half of them [52%] were cyberbullied via social media and 56% were cyberbullied by strangers. For those who agreed [84%] that internet use should be monitored and restricted; only 40% set rules on such use. Parents’ awareness on cyberbullying is below average [49%]; however, their perception on cyberbullying has a positive correlation with the influence on the limitations or restrictions they impose on their children internet use(r=0.611). Discussion: These findings conclude the fact that bullying culture is evident; it impacts both parents and their children. There is a need to integrate awareness on cyberbullying which targets parents and children - so that both are aware of the digital culture & safety measures.