Interventions for children, youth, and parents to prevent and reduce cyber abuse

Abstract

The Internet has created a new communication tool, particularly for young people whose use of e-mail, websites, instant messaging, web cams, chat rooms, social networking sites and text messaging is exploding worldwide. While there are many benefits that result from electronic based communication, the Internet is, however, concurrently a potential site for abuse and victimization, whereby young people can fall victim to sexual perpetrators, stalkers, exploiters, and peers who bully online. Interventions regarding cyber abuse have been developed in response to a growing emphasis on protecting children and youth from online dangers. Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of cyber abuse interventions in increasing Internet safety knowledge and decreasing risky online behaviour.