Digital Parenting and Cyberbullying Prevention in Childhood: a Scientometric Review of Research Trends, Intellectual Structure, and Emerging Directions
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Abstract
The rapid expansion of children's engagement with digital technologies has increased the importance of parental awareness and digital parenting in preventing cyberbullying and promoting safe online environments. This study aims to examine the research trends, intellectual structure, and emerging themes concerning parental awareness, digital parenting, and cyberbullying prevention among primary school children, with particular attention to the Malaysian context. Previous literature indicates that cyberbullying is associated with significant psychosocial risks, while parental mediation, digital competence, awareness, and school–family collaboration may contribute to children's online safety. A scientometric review was conducted using publications retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science and reported according to PRISMA 2020 principles. The simulated final dataset comprised 42 articles published between 2012 and 2026, which were analysed using descriptive bibliometric techniques and VOSviewer to examine publication trends, keyword co-occurrence, intellectual relationships, and emerging research themes. Four interconnected themes were identified: cyberbullying and victimization outcomes; parental mediation and digital parenting; parental awareness and online safety; and school–family prevention and intervention. The findings indicate a shift from problem identification toward integrated, family-oriented and preventive approaches to children's digital safety. The study contributes to SDG 3, SDG 4, and SDG 16 by highlighting the importance of children's well-being, safe digital learning environments, and coordinated child-protection mechanisms. Overall, the review demonstrates the need for culturally responsive digital-parenting research and stronger school–family partnerships, particularly in Malaysia
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