From Home to Digital Space: Mapping the Culture of Family Verbal Violence in Adolescent Cyberbullying

Abstract

Cyberbullying among adolescents is often examined through technological and psychological perspectives, while the role of family communication as a cultural space shaping aggressive behavior has received less attention. Verbal violence within the family as a communication practice is assumed to contribute to an increased risk of adolescent involvement in cyberbullying. This study used a descriptive survey method with a questionnaire instrument. Data were collected from 1,481 high school students in four cities in Indonesia: Mataram, Pontianak, Medan, and Makassar. The questionnaire investigated exposure to violence within the family, verbal violence practices in the form of negative labeling and harassment between family members. Data were analyzed descriptively to identify dominant patterns of verbal violence culture in family communication. The results showed that most adolescents were exposed to violence, especially arguments within the family. In addition, they experienced verbal violence through negative labeling based on physical characteristics, habits, and traits. These findings indicate that a culture of verbal violence in the family has the potential to be the root of adolescent aggressive behavior in the digital space. This study recommends the importance of a cultural and family approach in developing strategies and literacy models for preventing cyberbullying.