The Relationship Between Cyber Wellness and Psychological Resilience in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationship between cyber health and psychological resilience among children. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, with data being collected from a sample of 420 middle school students. The Student Cyber Health Scale (SCHS) and the Child and Adolescent Psychological Resilience Scale (CAPRS) were utilized as data collection instruments. Results: The study revealed that 87.1% of the children accessed the internet through their phones, with an average usage time of 2.75 ± 2.16 hours. The study found a positive correlation between psychological resilience scores and various cyber health sub-dimensions. Specifically, a series of significant positive correlations were identified, with psychological resilience scores demonstrating positive associations with various aspects of cyber health, including awareness of internet addiction (r=0.385, p<0.001), online courtesy (r=0.414, p<0.001), online privacy (r=0.384, p<0.001), online safety (r=0.493), cyberbullying awareness (r=0.534, p<0.001), and online inappropriate content awareness (r=0.450, p<0.001). An increase of one unit in psychological resilience level was associated with a corresponding increase of 0.534 in cyberbullying awareness score, 0.414 in online kindness awareness score, 0.386 in online privacy awareness score, 0.450 in online inappropriate content awareness score, and 0.443 in online safety awareness score. Conclusion: It is imperative to educate children from an early age about the risks and responsibilities associated with online interactions. It is imperative to inculcate a sense of awareness regarding cyber health from the onset of the academic year. To this end, the development and implementation of psychoeducation programs and group training on topics such as media literacy and online privacy protection is recommended. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.