Cyberbullying, School Bullying, and Psychological Distress: A Regional Census of High School Students

Cyberbullying, School Bullying, and Psychological Distress: A Regional Census of High School Students

January 2012 | Shari Kessel Schneider, MSPH, Lydia O'Donnell, EdD, Ann Stueve, PhD, and Robert W. S. Coulter, BS
This study examines the prevalence and psychological impact of cyberbullying and school bullying among high school students in MetroWest, Massachusetts. It finds that 15.8% of students reported cyberbullying and 25.9% reported school bullying in the past 12 months. There is substantial overlap between the two forms of bullying, with 59.7% of cyberbullying victims also being school bullying victims, and 36.3% of school bullying victims also being cyberbullying victims. Nonheterosexually identified youths were more likely to be victims of both forms of bullying. Victims of both cyberbullying and school bullying were at significantly higher risk of psychological distress, including depressive symptoms, self-injury, and suicide attempts. The study also found that victims of either form of bullying alone reported elevated levels of distress. The findings highlight the need for prevention efforts that address both forms of bullying and their relationship to school performance and mental health. The study also notes that cyberbullying has unique characteristics, such as the ability to maintain anonymity and reach a wide audience, which may make it more harmful than traditional bullying. The study concludes that there is a clear need for prevention efforts that address both forms of bullying and their potential for harmful consequences both inside and outside school.This study examines the prevalence and psychological impact of cyberbullying and school bullying among high school students in MetroWest, Massachusetts. It finds that 15.8% of students reported cyberbullying and 25.9% reported school bullying in the past 12 months. There is substantial overlap between the two forms of bullying, with 59.7% of cyberbullying victims also being school bullying victims, and 36.3% of school bullying victims also being cyberbullying victims. Nonheterosexually identified youths were more likely to be victims of both forms of bullying. Victims of both cyberbullying and school bullying were at significantly higher risk of psychological distress, including depressive symptoms, self-injury, and suicide attempts. The study also found that victims of either form of bullying alone reported elevated levels of distress. The findings highlight the need for prevention efforts that address both forms of bullying and their relationship to school performance and mental health. The study also notes that cyberbullying has unique characteristics, such as the ability to maintain anonymity and reach a wide audience, which may make it more harmful than traditional bullying. The study concludes that there is a clear need for prevention efforts that address both forms of bullying and their potential for harmful consequences both inside and outside school.
Reach us at info@study.space