Interventions to Prevent and Reduce Cyber Abuse of Youth

Objectives

The Internet has created a new communication tool, particularly for young people whose use of electronic communication is exploding worldwide. While there are many benefits that result from electronic-based communication, the Internet is concurrently a potential site for abuse and victimization.

Methods

This paper systematically reviews the effectiveness of cyber abuse interventions in increasing Internet safety knowledge and decreasing risky online behavior.

Results

Significant results were found between pre- and posttest scores related to Internet safety knowledge. Most results related to risky online behavior were not significant.

Conclusions

Results provide evidence that participation in psychoeducational Internet safety interventions is associated with an increase in Internet safety knowledge but is not significantly associated with a change in risky online behavior.