Parenting in the Digital Age: Cyberbullying and Adolescent Social Media Behavior
Location
Poster #20
Start Date
1-5-2026 10:00 AM
Department
Sociology
Abstract
Cyberbullying is a widespread and normalized issue in adolescent digital life, often concealed from adults and underestimated by institutions. This paper reviews research on how parental intervention can disrupt online harm, emphasizing the importance of emotional trust, cultural understanding, and equitable access to digital tools. Drawing on sociological frameworks from Durkheim, Mills, and Putnam, the paper frames cyberbullying not as a private misbehavior, but as a systemic issue shaped by structural inequality, institutional gaps, and evolving digital norms. It examines how family communication, sociocultural context, and resource access shape parental capacity to intervene. The review calls for equity-driven, collaborative solutions involving families, schools, tech companies, and policymakers. A shift from individual responsibility to collective action is critical for creating safer digital environments for all youth.
Faculty Sponsor
Juan Martinez
Parenting in the Digital Age: Cyberbullying and Adolescent Social Media Behavior
Poster #20
Cyberbullying is a widespread and normalized issue in adolescent digital life, often concealed from adults and underestimated by institutions. This paper reviews research on how parental intervention can disrupt online harm, emphasizing the importance of emotional trust, cultural understanding, and equitable access to digital tools. Drawing on sociological frameworks from Durkheim, Mills, and Putnam, the paper frames cyberbullying not as a private misbehavior, but as a systemic issue shaped by structural inequality, institutional gaps, and evolving digital norms. It examines how family communication, sociocultural context, and resource access shape parental capacity to intervene. The review calls for equity-driven, collaborative solutions involving families, schools, tech companies, and policymakers. A shift from individual responsibility to collective action is critical for creating safer digital environments for all youth.