La Alta Capacidad intelectual (ACI) es una manifestación diferencial de la inteligencia humana, de base neurobiológica, pero que debe expresar su alto potencial a lo largo del desarrollo de la per- sona que la posee, mediante la covariación de factores moduladores endógenos (como la competencia social) y exógenos. El objetivo del trabajo es doble: 1) conocer, comparativamente la competencia social de menores con y sin ACI, 2) diferenciar aquellas competencias sociales que podrían ser factores protectores o de riesgo frente al mal uso de las tecnologías digitales. Se administra la Social Skills Improvement System-Rating Scales a una muestra de n = 70 aprendices (n = 35 con ACI, n = 35 con inteligencia promedio) de 11 a 16 años, analizando si existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas en habilidades sociales y en dificultades de conducta. Los resultados muestran diferencias estadísticamente significativas, a favor de los participantes con ACI en habilidades sociales (especialmente en: Responsabilidad, Cooperación y Autocontrol) y mejor ajuste personal, con baja inci- dencia de dificultades internalizantes y externalizantes. Se concluye y discute el rol protector de las habilidades sociales para afrontar contextos interactivos complejos como el derivado de la era digital y agresiones como el cyberbullying.

High Intellectual Ability (HIA) is a differential manifestation of human intelligence with a neurobiological basis but which must express its high potential along the developmental trajectory through the covariation of endogenous (such as social competence) and exogenous modulating factors. The aim of the study is twofold: 1) to know, comparatively, the social competence of children with and without HIA, 2) to differentiate those social competences that could be protective or risk factors against the misuse of digital technologies. The Social Skills Improvement System-Rating Scales were administered to a sample of n = 70 learners (n = 35 with ICA, n = 35 with average intelligence) aged 11 to 16, analysing whether there are statistically significant differences in social skills and behavioural difficulties. Results show statistically significant differences in favour of participants with ICA in social skills (especially in: Responsibility, Co-operation and Self-Control) and better personal adjustment, with low incidence of internalising and externalising difficulties. We conclude and discuss the protective role of social skills in coping with complex interactive contexts such as the digital age and aggressions such as cyberbullying.