Abstract

This study evaluated the association between perceived family support, online risk behaviors, and online sexual abuse. This is a cross-sectional, quantitative study. The participants were 380 Chilean students aged 15 to 17 (M =16.12, SD = 0.59, 49.7% female, 50.3% male) who answered self-report instruments. Females experienced more online sexual abuse; however, males engaged in more online risk behaviors. The results of the regression analysis suggested that online risk behaviors was a predictor for online sexual abuse in both males and females. However, high perceived family support was only a protective factor against online risk behaviors and online sexual abuse for females. In addition, online risk behaviors was found to partially mediate the relationship between perceived family support and online sexual abuse for females only. The results of this study highlight the importance of online risk behaviors in the process of online sexual abuse. Also, the results highlighted the importance of family support as a protective factor against online sexual abuse and online risk behaviors mainly in females. For that reason, we think it is necessary to consider the gender variables in the prevention and intervention programs to face the risk of the internet during the adolescence.