Does cyberbullying lead to suicide, self-harm?

Turns out, young victims of cyberbullying are twice as likely to attempt suicide and inflict self-harm. According to a study conducted by the Swansea University, children and young people under 25 who are victims of cyberbullying are more than twice as likely to self-harm and enact suicidal behaviour.

The research suggested that it is not just the victims of cyberbullying that are more vulnerable to suicidal behaviours, but the perpetrators themselves are also at higher risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Cyberbullying is using electronic communication to bully another, for instance by sending intimidating, threatening or unpleasant messages using social media.

The systematic review study, led by Ann John, looked at more than 150,000 children and young people across 30 countries, over a 21-year period. Their findings highlighted the significant impact that cyberbullying involvement (as bullies and victims) can have on children and young people. The researchers say it shows an urgent need for effective prevention and intervention in bullying strategies.

Researcher John said, "Prevention of cyberbullying should be included in school anti-bullying policies, alongside broader concepts such as digital citizenship, online peer support for victims, how an electronic bystander might appropriately intervene; and more specific interventions such as how to contact mobile phone companies and internet service providers to block, educate, or identify users".

"Suicide prevention and intervention is essential within any comprehensive anti-bullying programme and should incorporate a whole-school approach to include awareness raising and training for staff and pupils".

A number of key recommendations have been made:

- Cyberbullying involvement should be considered by policymakers who implement bullying prevention and safe Internet use programmes.

- Clinicians working with children and young people and assessing mental health issues should routinely ask about experiences of cyberbullying.

- Children and young people involved in cyberbullying should be screened for common mental disorders and self-harm.

- School, family, and community programmes that promote appropriate use of technology are important.

- Prevention of cyberbullying should be included in school anti-bullying policies, alongside broader concepts such as digital citizenship, online peer support for victims, etc.

- Suicide prevention and intervention is essential within any comprehensive anti-bullying programme and should incorporate a whole-school approach to include awareness raising and training for staff and pupils.

The study also found a strong link between being a cyber-victim and being a perpetrator. This duality was found to particularly put males at higher risk of depression and suicidal behaviours.

The researchers highlighted that these vulnerabilities should be recognised at school so that cyberbullying behaviours would be seen as an opportunity to support vulnerable young people, rather than for discipline. The study appears in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.