Parenting Style and Adolescents’ Cyberbullying Behaviors: Restrictive Parental Internet Intervention as a Moderator in Macau

This study examined the effects of perceived parenting styles and restrictive parental internet intervention on adolescents’ cyberbullying behaviors in Macau. A survey conducted in 2023 gathered responses from 708 secondary school students aged 12 to 18. The findings indicated that fathers’ authoritative and permissive parenting styles were positively associated with adolescents’ experiences of cyberbullying, both as perpetrators and victims. Mothers’ authoritative style was significantly associated with increased cyber-victimization. Notably, when mothers used an authoritative style and also applied restrictive internet intervention strategies—such as time or content controls—adolescents reported higher levels of cyber-victimization. These results suggest that rigid control, if not combined with open communication, may heighten risk. This study highlights the importance of involving both parents—particularly fathers—in adolescent media education and calls for increased awareness in social work, education, and family policy to prevent and mitigate cyberbullying in the digital age.