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Cyberbullying Perpetration and Victimization as Risk Factors for Self-Harm: Results From a Longitudinal Cohort Study of 13-14-Year-Olds in England.

Authors :
Winstone L
Jamal S
Mars B
Source :
The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine [J Adolesc Health] 2024 Aug; Vol. 75 (2), pp. 298-304. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jun 12.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Purpose: Cyberbullying is a crucial issue that affects adolescent mental health, with evidence to suggest that adolescents who are victims of cyberbullying are at higher risk for self-harm. However, longitudinal evidence is lacking, meaning the direction of effects cannot be established. This study investigated longitudinal associations between levels of cyberbullying involvement (bully, victim, or both), frequency, and self-harm a year later in an adolescent sample.<br />Methods: Data were collected from Year 9 students (13-14-year-olds; N = 1,195) enrolled in 19 schools in Southwest England using an online questionnaire with a 1-year follow-up period (October 2019-October 2020). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to test for associations between different levels of cyberbullying involvement at baseline and the likelihood of self-harm a year later, adjusting for key covariates. A secondary regression analysis also explored the associations between the frequency of cyberbullying involvement at baseline and subsequent self-harm.<br />Results: Compared to those with no cyberbullying involvement, individuals who were both victims and perpetrators (adjusted odds ratio = 2.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.99-4.34) as well as victims only (adjusted odds ratio = 2.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.95-4.04) showed an increased risk of subsequent self-harm. In terms of frequency, associations were found between frequent and occasional cyberbullying and self-harm for both victims and perpetrators; however, associations for the perpetrator group attenuated to the null following adjustment for covariates.<br />Discussion: Our findings highlight cyberbullying in early adolescence as a risk factor for subsequent self-harm. Cyberbullying prevention should be a priority for school mental health interventions, with consideration that most perpetrators of cyberbullying may also be victims.<br /> (Copyright © 2024 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1879-1972
Volume :
75
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
38864792
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.04.004