Factors Related to Parental Perceptions and Awareness of Adolescent Cyberbullying in Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The rise of digital technology has heightened concerns about adolescent cyberbullying, emphasizing the importance of parental perceptions and awareness. This study assessed parental perceptions and awareness of adolescent cyberbullying and identified associated factors among secondary school parents in Selangor, Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June-September 2023 involving 522 parents, selected through multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the validated 33-item Parental Perception and Awareness of Cyberbullying Questionnaire (KEPS-I). Multiple linear regression analyses identified associated factors. RESULTS: The overall mean score for parental perceptions and awareness was 3.96 (SD=0.44). Parents demonstrated the highest awareness in cyberbullying prevention strategies but scored lowest in knowledge of internet and social media platforms. Younger parents exhibited greater awareness, likely due to their familiarity with digital technology (adjusted b=-0.475, P<0.001). Parents who used the internet daily were also more aware (adjusted b=5.670, P=0.041), while non Bumiputera parents showed lower scores, reflecting gaps in digital literacy or access to information (adjusted b=-3.035, P=0.037). Only 2.5% of parents reported their child’s experience with cyberbullying, indicating possible underreporting. CONCLUSION: Gaps in digital literacy, particularly among older and non-Bumiputera parents, highlight the need for targeted educational initiatives and school policies to improve parental awareness and intervention strategies. Future research should evaluate digital literacy programs and explore adolescent perspectives to better address underreporting and strengthen prevention efforts.