Qualitative analysis of experiences with electronic violence in homes for children with behavioral problems

Today modern technologies are widely in use. The use of the Internet and other modern technologies offers a variety of benefits to children and youth and at the same time using new technologies for them means potential risk of harm in virtual and real life. Expansion of usage in new technologies has lead to appearance of new forms of violence. Electronic violence is lately in focus of researches but there is an evident lack of research is in specific context as child care institutions. Aim of this qualitative research was to find out how care workers in the two homes for children and youth in Croatia (Children home in Zagreb and in Mali Losinj) describe their previous experience with electronic violence by working with children and young people. Research included two research questions: How do care workers describe their previous experience with electronic violence and what are their recommendations for the prevention of cyber bullying in children homes for children with behavioral disorders. Data were collected with semi-structured interviews with 8 care workers. A research result suggests that electronic violence is present in homes for children with behavioral problems. Other findings informs about most common online activities of children and youth, types of violent behaviors of children and youth as perpetrators and victims of electronic violence and their previous relationships. Within the recommendations for prevention care workers emphasizes their need for professional development and education of children and youth for responsible usage of modern technologies.