Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.3
Journals
IJERPH
Special Issues
Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths
ijerph-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for IJERPH Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Behavioral and Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 12025

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Michelle F. Wright

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Interests: bullying; cyberbullying; peers; family; culture; intervention; prevention; technology; adolescence; adjustment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bullying and cyberbullying are among the most important social and public health issues worldwide, threatening young people’s physical and emotional safety. Bullying can happen anywhere, including online, at school, in the workplace, or at home. It can lead to bodily harm, emotional distress, and deprivation of rights.

This Special Issue seeks papers on various subjects, including school bullying, cyberbullying, school violence, peer relationships, teacher–student relation, family cohesion, parenting behaviors, sibling relationships, and risk factors in bullying and cyberbullying among children, adolescents, or young adults. We welcome contributions from across the world.

Dr. Michelle F. Wright
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bullying
  • cyberbullying
  • bullying prevention
  • bullying intervention
  • wellbeing
  • mental health

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

17 pages, 810 KiB  
Article
Cyberbullying Victimization and Suicide Attempt Among Adolescents: A Cross-National Comparison
by Meytal Grimland, Yuko Mori, Sigita Lesinskiene, Liping Li, Say How Ong, Samir Kumar Praharaj, Tjhin Wiguna, Zahra Zamani, Emmi Heinonen, Sonja Gilbert, Anat Brunstein Klomek, Andre Sourander and the EACMHS Study Group
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(3), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030385 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 202
Abstract
The widespread use of the Internet among teenagers has raised concerns about cyberbullying and its impact on adolescent well-being. This study examined the association between cyberbullying victimization and suicide attempts among adolescents in high-income and low/middle-income countries. Data from six countries (Singapore, China, [...] Read more.
The widespread use of the Internet among teenagers has raised concerns about cyberbullying and its impact on adolescent well-being. This study examined the association between cyberbullying victimization and suicide attempts among adolescents in high-income and low/middle-income countries. Data from six countries (Singapore, China, Iran, Indonesia, India, and Lithuania) were collected as part of the Eurasian Child Mental Health Study. A total sample of 9892 adolescents aged 13–15 years old (51.9% girls) was analyzed. Generalized estimating equation models with school-wise clusters were conducted. The prevalence of suicide attempts was 4.8%, with higher rates among girls. Cyberbullying victimization only was reported by 5.4% of the participants, while traditional bullying victimization only was reported by 19.2%. The study found that being a victim of combined (both traditional and cyberbullying) had the highest odds of suicide attempt in both high-income and low/middle-income countries. Emotional symptoms were identified as a moderator, influencing the association between combined bullying victimization and suicide attempt. These findings highlight the urgent need for global efforts to prevent and intervene in cyberbullying and its detrimental effects on adolescent mental health. The study emphasizes the importance of examining regional risk factors and implementing targeted interventions to address this growing public health concern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2660 KiB  
Article
Collisions and Perceptions of Cyberbullying: Comparison of Intergenerational Experiences
by Galina Soldatova, Svetlana Chigarkova and Elena Rasskazova
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091148 - 29 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2311
Abstract
With regard to negative consequences, cyberbullying is recognized as one of the most traumatic types of cyber aggression. The aim is to study the specific features of adolescents and youth’s cyberbullying experience in the role of an aggressor, victim or bystander, as well [...] Read more.
With regard to negative consequences, cyberbullying is recognized as one of the most traumatic types of cyber aggression. The aim is to study the specific features of adolescents and youth’s cyberbullying experience in the role of an aggressor, victim or bystander, as well as awareness on the part of parents of adolescents. A total of 3395 adolescents, youth and parents filled out specially designed questionnaires. Older adolescents turned out to be at higher risk of cyberbullying. In two-thirds of cases, cyberbullying is related to real-life incidents. Aggressors are motivated by domination and entertainment, primarily employing strategies of social exclusion, harassment and denigration. As victims of cyberbullying, younger adolescents turn to their parents and friends for social support, whereas older adolescents and young adults are more likely turn to their peers. In the role of a bystander, almost half of younger adolescents and about a third of older adolescents and young adults choose the prosocial strategy of protecting a victim. The parents often underestimate the experience of encountering cyberbullying or find it difficult to assess such experience. The identified risk groups and strategies and the lack of parents’ awareness are important to take into account when drawing up cyberbullying prevention programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 992 KiB  
Article
When Is It Helpful to Get Involved? Adolescents’ Perceptions of Constructive and Aggressive Bystander Support from Friends, Acquaintances, and Public Figures in Cyberbullying
by Karissa Leduc, Megha Pooja Nagar, Oksana Caivano and Victoria Talwar
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1142; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091142 - 28 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1334
Abstract
The present study examines adolescents’ perceptions of both constructive and aggressive forms of bystander support and how these perceptions differ according to whether an acquaintance of the target, a friend of the target or a public figure is providing it. Ninety-nine adolescents between [...] Read more.
The present study examines adolescents’ perceptions of both constructive and aggressive forms of bystander support and how these perceptions differ according to whether an acquaintance of the target, a friend of the target or a public figure is providing it. Ninety-nine adolescents between 13 and 17 years old (Mage = 14.42; SD = 1.35) participated in this study. Adolescents viewed a total of nine videos, each depicting a public cyberbullying situation on Instagram and a form of constructive or aggressive bystander support from an acquaintance, a friend, or a public figure in relation to the target of cyberbullying. After each video, adolescents were asked how helpful or hurtful the bystander’s form of support was on a Likert-type scale. A significant relationship was found between the bystander’s relationship to the target, the form of support and the helpfulness of bystander support. Overall, support from friends was perceived as helpful regardless of whether it was constructive or aggressive. Moreover, it was seen as harmful for acquaintances to engage in aggressive behaviours in support of targets of cyberbullying, but generally helpful for public figures to engage in those same behaviours. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 652 KiB  
Article
The Associations among Cyberbullying Victimization and Chinese and American Adolescents’ Mental Health Issues: The Protective Role of Perceived Parental and Friend Support
by Michelle F. Wright
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 1069; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21081069 - 15 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1307
Abstract
Researchers have focused on identifying factors that may mitigate the negative consequences associated with cyberbullying victimization. A significant factor that has received considerable attention is perceived social support from parents and friends and its potential to reduce the risk of cyberbullying victimization and [...] Read more.
Researchers have focused on identifying factors that may mitigate the negative consequences associated with cyberbullying victimization. A significant factor that has received considerable attention is perceived social support from parents and friends and its potential to reduce the risk of cyberbullying victimization and the associated negative mental health issues. However, the buffering effects of perceived social support from parents and friends on the longitudinal relationships among cyberbullying victimization, depression, subjective health complaints, and self-harm have been less explored, particularly in cross-cultural contexts. To address this gap, the present study examined the role of perceived social support from parents and friends in buffering against depression, subjective health complaints, and self-harm, measured one year later, associated with cyberbullying victimization among 463 Chinese (49% female) and 445 American (52% female) eighth graders (ages 13–15). They completed self-report questionnaires on cyberbullying victimization, perceived social support from parents and friends, and mental health (i.e., depression, subjective health complaints, self-harm). One year later, they completed the same mental health questionnaires. The findings revealed no differences in reports of perceived support from parents, but greater reports of social support from friends for American adolescents when compared to Chinese adolescents. High levels of perceived social support from parents were associated with a stronger negative relationship between cyberbullying victimization, depression, subjective health complaints, and self-harm for both Chinese and American adolescents, with these effects being more pronounced for Chinese adolescents, while opposite patterns were found for American adolescents and perceived social support from friends. These results are discussed in the context of cultural values and how these values shape the role of adults in adolescents’ lives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 562 KiB  
Article
Developmental Trajectories of Cyber-Aggression among Early Adolescents in Canada: The Impact of Aggression, Gender, and Time Spent Online
by Bowen Xiao, Natasha Parent, Takara Bond, Johanna Sam and Jennifer Shapka
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(4), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040429 - 1 Apr 2024
Viewed by 2383
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to examine developmental trajectories of cyber-aggression in early adolescence, as well as their relationship with predictive factors related to cyber-aggression (e.g., overt aggression, gender, and time spent online). Participants were 384 adolescents from the Lower Mainland [...] Read more.
The objective of the present study was to examine developmental trajectories of cyber-aggression in early adolescence, as well as their relationship with predictive factors related to cyber-aggression (e.g., overt aggression, gender, and time spent online). Participants were 384 adolescents from the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada who were in grade six and grade seven at Time 1 of the study (192 boys, Mage = 13.62 years, SD = 0.74 year). Three years of longitudinal data on cyber-aggression, overt aggression, and time spent online were collected via online self-report questionnaires. Findings indicated three different trajectories of cyber-aggression: (a) a low-increasing (85.7% of the sample), (b) a stable trajectory (9.3% of the sample), and (c) a high-decreasing trajectory (4.9% of the sample). Adolescents who reported higher scores on overt aggression and spent more time online were more likely to be in the stable or high-decreasing groups. These findings highlight the importance of studying subgroups regarding the developmental course of cyber-aggression in early adolescence. The implications of present study findings give insight into gender differences and overt aggression among youth to inform cyber-aggression intervention and prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1236 KiB  
Article
Predicting Cyberbullying Perpetration in US Elementary School Children
by Christopher P. Barlett
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(15), 6442; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20156442 - 25 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2973
Abstract
Cyberbullying has emerged as a societal issue, and the majority of the research examining cyberbullying perpetration samples adolescent and/or emerging adult populations. A paucity of empirical attention has focused on young children (aged 8–10) regarding their cyberbullying frequency and predictors. The current study [...] Read more.
Cyberbullying has emerged as a societal issue, and the majority of the research examining cyberbullying perpetration samples adolescent and/or emerging adult populations. A paucity of empirical attention has focused on young children (aged 8–10) regarding their cyberbullying frequency and predictors. The current study sampled 142 US youth aged 8–10 years and assessed their cyberbullying perpetration rate and cellular phone ownership. Results indicated that (a) older participants were more likely to cyberbully than their younger peers; (b) higher rates of cyberbullying were found for youth who already owned a cellular phone; and (c) an interaction between participant age and cellular phone ownership was found, suggesting that cyberbullying was highest for only the 10-year-old group who owned a cellular phone. These findings have implications for (a) parents, school administrators, health care providers, and anyone else interested in better understanding the predictors of cyberbullying perpetration; (b) intervention specialists focused on reducing cyberbullying in youth; and (c) a researcher interested in understanding the basic theoretical underpinnings of cyberbullying. Based on these findings, we recommend that (a) cyberbullying interventions be administered to youth as early as elementary school; (b) parents/guardians carefully consider the positive and negative consequences of youth cellular phone usage; and (c) increased communication between youth and parents/guardians concerning youth cellular phone activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Youths)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop