Cyber Bullying and Depression

Victims of cyber bullying are more likely to report higher depression than victims of traditional bullying, according to a study published by the Journal of Adolescent Health.

The study, which was published online in September 2010, compared levels of depression among bullies, victims and bullies who are also victims. The researchers define cyber bullying as aggressive behaviors communicated over a computer or via cellphone. Traditional forms of bullying involve physical aggression, verbal taunts or social exclusion.

The researchers suggest that victims of cyber bullying may feel more isolated, dehumanized or helpless at the time of the attack because of the lack of a face-to-face confrontation. Victims of cyber bullying may not be able to identify their provoker, which contributes to feelings of helplessness.

More than 7,000 American schoolchildren in grades 6 to 10 were surveyed for the study. The data are from the 2005-2006 school year. The researchers speculate that the problem will look more serious as more recent data are released, from years when texting and social networking became more ubiquitous.
 

Read the report.