Keywords
internet addiction
cyber victimization
How to Cite
Abstract
Objective: With the increasing use of the internet, children have become more vulnerable to internet addiction and cyber victimization, which may exacerbate psychosocial problems. This study aimed to determine the levels of internet addiction and cyber victimization in child sexual abuse cases and to evaluate their relationship with psychosocial findings.
Methods: This study included 41 children (aged 9–18 years) referred to forensic medicine and/or child psychiatry clinics between November 2019 and March 2020 due to allegations of sexual abuse. A sociodemographic data form, Young Internet Addiction Test–Short Form, State–Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, Cyber Victimization Scale, and Children’s Depression Inventory were administered. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test, ANOVA, and Chi-square tests.
Results: Of the cases, 78% were female and 22% were male (mean age: 14.9±2.4 years). In 12.2% of cases, the first contact with the perpetrator occurred via the internet. Internet addiction scores were positively and significantly associated with cyber victimization, depression, and trait anxiety (p<0.05). Furthermore, increasing levels of cyber victimization were associated with significantly higher state anxiety, trait anxiety, and depression scores.
Conclusion: Internet addiction and cyber victimization appear to be closely associated with psychosocial problems in child sexual abuse cases. Systematic evaluation of children’s internet use patterns and online victimization histories during forensic assessments may contribute to the prevention of secondary victimization and early identification of mental health problems.
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