Percepciones y experiencias de violencia online por la pareja en adolescentes en el Cantón Pelileo

Abstract

Background: episodes of violence between couples, ex-partners or people close to adolescents through Internet media, such as social networks, have been increasing and taking different forms to psychologically attack through cyberbullying. In the Pelileo canton, no studies have been carried out that show harassment by online means of people who are in the environment of adolescents. Objective: to describe the perceptions and experiences of online violence by the couple in adolescents in the Pelileo canton. Methodological design: the study was qualitative, field and descriptive level. The interview technique was applied to 7 adolescents aged 16-19 years and their content analysis was carried out, as well as the mapping of categories using the Atlas.ti software. Results: different types of cyberbullying against adolescents were observed, highlighting sexting, grooming, intimidation and bullying. Most of the interviewees were psychologically affected by the impact of cyberbullying on their lives, according to the impact on their reputation, low self-esteem, trust issues, need for approval, feelings of guilt and sadness. They all sought help at a certain point in the cyberbullying; however, it was appreciated as a last resort. Conclusions: cyberbullying is a growing problem in the environment of adolescents, representing a high risk for their physical and psychological safety. It is necessary to take preventive measures through training programs in educational and community institutions.