The Distinct Impact of Perceived Peer Norms on the Development of Traditional and Cyber Aggression

Although peer norms significantly influence adolescents’ aggressive behaviors, little research compares their effects in online and offline contexts. Specifically, online contexts differ from traditional ones by enabling anonymity and amplifying behavior visibility. These characteristics could alter norm perceptions, reducing or increasing normative influence. This study tests this hypothesis by studying the longitudinal association of perceived norms (descriptive and injunctive) with traditional and cyber peer aggression. A multilevel model for change is applied to data resulting from three waves (6-month intervals) of a Swiss survey involving 100 randomly selected middle school classes (N = 1403, M_ageT1 = 12.03, SD = 0.41; 48% female). Results showed that both injunctive and descriptive norms related to traditional aggression were significantly associated with the initial state of the behavior. Regarding cyber aggression, only related descriptive norms showed a significant association with both the initial level and rate of change. Possible explanations for the distinct role of norms in online and offline settings are discussed.