The art of staying safe in the digital world: Navigating the risks of cyberbullying through digital literacy and online privacy awareness
Journal of Pediatric Nursing, cilt.91, ss.304-314, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 91
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.pedn.2026.08.033
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Pediatric Nursing
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.304-314
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Cyber victimisation, Cyberbullying, Digital literacy, Online privacy, University students
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objective This study aimed to examine the relationship between digital literacy, online privacy awareness, and cyberbullying/victimisation levels among university students in the late adolescent and emerging adulthood stages. Methods This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 4589 university students in Turkey. Data were collected online using a questionnaire, the Digital Literacy Scale, the, Online Privacy Awareness Scale, and the Cyberbullying Inventory for University Students. Data collection was conducted in November–December 2023. Analyses included descriptive statistics, t -tests, ANOVA, correlation, and multiple linear regressions. Significance was set at p ' .05. Results Digital literacy, online privacy awareness, cyberbullying, and victimisation levels varied significantly based on demographic factors. Digital literacy scores showed a correlation with both cyberbullying/cyber victimisation and online privacy awareness scores (p ' .05), while there was no correlation between online privacy and cyberbullying/victimisation (p ' .05). Regression analysis showed that, at a low level, digital literacy and online privacy awareness related to cyberbullying but were not associated with cyber victimisation. Conclusion These findings highlight the need to integrate digital literacy and online privacy awareness into university curricula, not only as technical skills but also as essential components of students' academic and psychosocial development. Strengthening digital competencies and cyberbullying awareness can foster safe and responsible digital participation, reduce technology-related risks, and support healthier behavioral patterns among adolescents and young adults. To achieve this, prioritizing developmentally appropriate and preventive programs jointly designed by educators, pediatric nurses, and families may reduce cyberbullying risks and strengthen students' biopsychosocial well-being during the transition to adulthood.