Early Intervention Strategies for Bullying and Cyberbullying Victimization—Protecting Mental and Physical Health

Dear Colleagues,

Bullying and cyberbullying are currently an international concern, and are recognized as a serious public health problem, with long-term implications for individual and collective well-being. From a public health perspective, these behaviours require prevention and early intervention strategies that address both individual factors and the social, educational, and digital contexts of adolescents.

Among adolescents, these practices are some of the most common antisocial behaviors in contemporary society. The consequences of this problem extend beyond the school environment, significantly affecting the mental and physical health of everyone involved—especially the victims. Early intervention is essential to significantly reduce the incidence of bullying and cyberbullying, minimize risks, and strengthen protective factors such as social–emotional skills, safe internet use skills, and social support.

The scientific literature shows that prevention and intervention programs involving schools, families, communities, and health services prepare adolescents to play an active role in both preventing and intervening in situations of bullying and cyberbullying, in addition to offering adequate support to victims.

This Special Issue aims to bring together articles presenting empirical research (quantitative and/or qualitative), systematic reviews, meta-analyses, experience reports, and innovative proposals that explore early intervention strategies in bullying and cyberbullying victimization. We will also accept studies addressing risk and protective factors, comparative studies, and those that are clinical- or evidence-based in different scientific areas of study.

 We especially welcome papers on the following topics:

• Prevention and intervention programs in school settings.
• Prevention and intervention programs in health settings.
• Development of social–emotional and digital citizenship skills.
• Psychological support and specific therapies for victims.
• The role of observers and their social–emotional skills.
• The use of physical activity, arts, or extracurricular contexts as preventive tools.
• The role of families and communities in early intervention.
• Public policies and innovative digital approaches.
• Training teachers and health professionals for the prevention, detection, and intervention in bullying and cyberbullying situations.

Dr. Ana Paula Monteiro
Dr. Catarina Pinheiro Mota
Dr. Inês Carvalho Relva
Guest Editors

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