Speaker
Description
Background: Gender non-conforming (GNC) youth face heightened risks for cyberbullying, Yet, less is known which risks and protective factors influence or reduce their vulnerability. This study explores the association between specific risk and protective factors and cyberbullying among GNC youth.
Methods: Data were derived from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). An analytical sample of 253 high school youth in grades 9th through 12th who identified as either transgender or unsure if they are transgender were analyzed using two binary logistic regression models. Model 1 examined four risk factors including missed school, witnessing violence, social media activity, and overweight. Model 2 assessed protective factors including physical activity, sleep, academic performance, and family/school support. All variables were dichotomized (no = 0, yes = 1), and covariates included age (M=15.86), physical dating violence, and race (White vs. non-White).
Results: Model 1 indicated that missing school (OR=5.87), witnessing violence (OR=2.13), being overweight (OR=2.25), social media activity (OR=7.36), not identifying as White (OR=2.61), and previous physical dating violence (OR=3.69) were statistically significant associated with cyberbullying. Model 2 indicated a statistically significant association between identifying as non-White (OR=1.16) and previous dating violence (OR=1.22).
Conclusion: While risk factors like social media activity, missing school, and witnessing violence are strongly associated with cyberbullying among GNC youth, protective factors did not show statistically significant findings, suggesting that more research is needed to identify effective ways to mitigate cyberbullying among this population. Implications for intervention, policy, and education are discussed.
Keywords
Gender nonconforming; risk factors; protective factors; cyberbullying; youth
| Please indicate what type of scientific contribution it is | Quantitative method study |
|---|---|
| Please also indicate what kind of contribution it is: | Scientific |
