The role of parenting in preventing cyber dating abuse among adolescents: a systematic review

Abstract

Cyber Dating Abuse (CDA) is a public health concern among adolescents. This systematic review synthesized quantitative evidence on parenting dimensions in relation to CDA victimization, perpetration, and psychological adjustment following victimization. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed quantitative investigations assessing CDA within adolescent dating relationships and examining parenting-related factors, including studies addressing co-occurring forms of dating violence. Studies exclusively examining offline dating violence or reporting combined offline and digital outcomes without separately identifiable CDA measures were excluded. Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and B-on were searched between February and May 2026, with the final search conducted on 30 May 2026. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), and findings were narratively synthesized by outcome. Ten studies comprising 15,402 participants (9 cross-sectional and one longitudinal) were included. Parental monitoring and involvement were more frequently associated with lower CDA perpetration, although these associations were not consistently maintained in more fully adjusted models. Evidence concerning CDA victimization was more limited and highlighted the potential relevance of positive intrafamilial relationships and parental closeness, although findings varied across analytical models. Parental closeness was also associated with psychological adjustment following CDA victimization. Findings regarding parental supervision, communication, and parenting styles were less consistent, with several studies reporting non-significant associations. Considerable heterogeneity in the conceptualization and measurement of parenting and CDA limited comparisons across studies. Given the predominance of cross-sectional evidence, the findings do not establish causal or preventive effects. Overall, the review highlights the importance of considering parenting as a multidimensional construct and distinguishing between CDA perpetration and victimization when informing future research and family-based prevention and intervention strategies. The review was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF; DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/KZNC7) and was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT; UID/01662/2025).