Family Preventive Programs and Their Role in Combating Cyberbullying: A Field Study in the United Arab Emirates

The use of digital technologies which increases during all types of adolescence is associated with an equivalent increase in cyber bullying, both psychological and social consequences. Background: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of universal preventive programs focused on families to prevent cyberbullying over 6 months among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates. Research design: Quantitative, descriptive-correlational Methods: Parents and adolescents framework selection from different schools in the UAE; a representative sample of 350 responded to a structured questionnaire that measured autonomous four Dimensions of family preventive programs (a) awareness of risk associations achieved through an electronic device, (b) parental monitoring, (c) family communication, and(d) Digital sociocultural guidance. The results reveal a statistically significant negative effect of family preventive programs on cyberbullying. It was found that parental monitoring and digital education had the strongest effects, while family communication and awareness of digital risks provided additional.