Cross-sectional analysis of 9,686 early adolescents (ages 11–15, 48.2% female, 44.7% non-White) from the ABCD Study (Year 3, 2019–2022) examining whether six media parenting practices — screen time modeling, mealtime/bedroom screen use, screen use for behavior management, and monitoring/limiting screen time — were associated with cyberbullying victimization and perpetration.
Allowing bedroom screen use had the strongest link to both victimization (AOR 1.31) and perpetration (AOR 1.44); mealtime screen use (AOR 1.14) and using screens for behavior management (AOR 1.18) also raised victimization odds; restricting screen time lowered victimization odds (AOR 0.80). Daily active screen time partially mediated these associations.
Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference; cyberbullying measures and parenting practices were self- or parent-reported, introducing potential bias; mediation analysis cannot confirm directionality.
Counsel parents to limit bedroom and mealtime screen use and avoid using screens as a behavioral tool, as these practices are linked to higher cyberbullying risk. Reinforce the AAP family media plan, including proactive conversations about safe, respectful digital behavior.
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