Why Do Parenting Styles Matter? The Relation Between Parenting Styles, Cyberbullying, and Problematic Internet Use Among Children With and Without SLD/ADHD

This study focuses on the pervasive issues of cyberbullying and problematic internet use (PIU) among youth, particularly in children with disabilities. To elucidate the role of parents in mitigating these challenges, the study examines the prevalence of three parenting styles (permissive/authoritarian/authoritative), and their correlation with cyberbullying and PIU among children with or without specific learning disorder (SLD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). The study comprised of 300 participants: 150 children—9 to 12 years old, matched with their 150 parents, divided into two groups—SLD/ADHD and those with typical-development. Comparative analysis revealed that the SLD/ADHD group scored higher in the authoritarian style compared with the typical-development group. Furthermore, authoritative parenting style correlated with lower incidences of cyberbullying and PIU, and foster a more positive parent–child relationship, which in turn contributed to reduced cyberbullying and PIU. These findings underscore the importance of adopting an authoritative parenting style among parents, particularly among parents of children with SLD/ADHD.