The Relationship between Media Literacy Skills and Cyber Harm Prevention Among Adolescents in Isfahan Region 1 Municipality

Cyberspace, while offering unprecedented opportunities for information exchange and social interaction, also exposes adolescents—particularly those at critical developmental stages—to significant risks. This study examines the relationship between media literacy skills and the prevention of cyber harms among adolescents in District 1 of Isfahan. Designed as applied research with a descriptive-correlational approach, the study surveyed 378 adolescents selected through Cochran’s formula and convenience sampling. Data were collected using two standardized instruments: The Media Literacy Scale developed by Falsafi et al. (2014) and the Cyber Harm Questionnaire by Zandvanian et al. (2013). Structural equation modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS3 was employed for data analysis. Findings indicate that all dimensions of media literacy—cognitive, emotional, moral, and aesthetic—play a significant role in reducing adolescents’ vulnerability to cyber harms. Moreover, media literacy skills were found to be strongly associated with various domains of cyber risk, including religious-cultural, educational, familial, psychological, and adaptive factors. These results highlight the importance of integrating media literacy education into adolescent development programs. Strengthening these competencies can serve as a protective mechanism against cyber threats, fostering safer online engagement and contributing to the cultivation of critical, ethical, and resilient digital citizens.