Impact of Cyberbullying on Adolescent Mental Health: New Research Highlights Risks
New research reveals that all forms of cyberbullying, including social exclusion and gossip, can cause serious trauma in teenagers, underscoring the need for trauma-informed interventions to protect youth mental health.
A recent comprehensive study underscores the significant psychological impact of cyberbullying on teenagers, emphasizing that all forms of online harassment, even those less visible or seemingly minor, can cause severe trauma. Conducted by Florida Atlantic University in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the research analyzed responses from a nationally representative sample of 2,697 middle and high school students aged 13 to 17 across the United States.
The study explored 18 different types of cyberbullying, ranging from exclusion and impersonation to stalking behaviors. Findings revealed that exposure to these behaviors correlates strongly with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Notably, forms such as social exclusion or gossip, often dismissed as trivial, were found to be as damaging as direct threats or harassment.
More than 87% of students reported experiencing at least one form of cyber victimization, indicating its widespread prevalence. The research demonstrated that the overall frequency of cyberbullying was directly linked to the severity of trauma symptoms, regardless of the specific type. Girls and younger teens showed higher levels of trauma, but these differences diminished when accounting for the amount of cyberbullying experienced.
Moreover, the study highlights the importance of a trauma-informed approach in addressing cyberbullying. Protecting young people's emotional and psychological safety involves training educators and caregivers to recognize signs of trauma, employ empathy, and implement effective intervention strategies. Strengthening support systems like family, friendships, and resilience-building are crucial in mitigating long-term effects.
With cyberbullying now a normative aspect of online interaction, these findings stress the urgency of creating safe, supportive environments for youth and recognizing all forms of online harassment as potentially serious threats to mental health.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-cyberbullying-traumatizing-kids-reveals.html
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