Cyberbullying brings twice the risk, study finds

Prevention of cyberbullying should be included in school anti-bullying policies, the lead author says.

KEY POINTS:

• What the researchers want:
• Prevention to be included in school anti-bullying policies
• Concepts to consider - digital citizenship, online peer support
• How should an electronic bystander intervene?
• Other interventions - mobile phone companies and internet providers to block or identify users

Alarming research shows teenage and young adult victims of cyberbullying are more than twice as likely to self-harm and attempt suicide.

They are also less likely to reach out for help compared to those bullied in the playground, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

But it's not just the victims of cyberbullying who are more vulnerable, with the study finding the perpetrators experience higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

The researchers say the data indicates an "urgent" need for effective prevention and intervention in bullying strategies.

"Prevention of cyberbullying should be included in school anti-bullying policies, alongside broader concepts such as digital citizenship, online peer support for victims (and) how an electronic bystander might appropriately intervene," said lead author Professor Ann John at Swansea University Medical School.

She also called for other interventions such as how to contact mobile phone companies and internet service providers to block or identify users.

"Suicide prevention and intervention is essential within any comprehensive anti-bullying programme and should incorporate a whole-school approach," said John.

Cyberbullying is using electronic communication to bully another, for instance by sending intimidating, threatening or unpleasant messages using social media.

Researchers at Swansea University Medical School and Universities of Oxford and Birmingham conducted a research review into the association between cyberbullying and youth mental health.

The review took in 150,000 children and young people aged under 25 across 30 countries over a 21-year period.

Overall, cyberbullying increased the risk of self-harm or suicidal behaviour 2.3 times, according to the findings.

Perpetrators were also found to be at a 20 per cent increased risk of self-harm and attempted suicide than non-bullies.

The research also found students who were cyberbullied were less likely to report and seek help than those victimised by more traditional means.

- AAP

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.