Virtual Social Network Dependence and School Climate in Dating Violence in Adolescence

Abstract

In this study is analyzed the relationships from social networks dependence, the school climate and online teen dating violence in adolescence taking into account gender differences. The sample consisted of 919 school-aged adolescents from Andalusia (52.4% girls), aged 15–18 years (M = 16.12; SD = 0.99), who reported having or having had a partner in the last year. Two contrast groups were established: teens who are violent and non-violent in online context with their partners. Multivariate and analyses (MANOVAs) were performed. The results showed that teens who are violent with their partners in an online environment indicated higher levels of virtual social networks dependence and lower levels in school climate (Implication, affiliation and perception of support from the teacher). Also, intergender analysis showed that there are significant differences in virtual social networks dependence and perception of support from the teacher between boys and girls. The scope of these results and their