Cyberbullying: New Study Links Teen Health Problems to Cyberbullying

A new study conducted by Finland’s Turku University of 2,215 teenagers aged 13-16 found that victims of cyberbullying experienced physical, psychological and behavioral problems including frequent headaches, persistent stomach pains, problems sleeping, and trouble getting along with their peers.  Cyberbullying victims were also apparently less likely to be living with both biological parents.

On the flip side, actual cyberbullies themselves reported similar emotional and behavioral issues.  Reports ranged from frequent headaches and feeling unsafe at school to hyperactivity, conduct problems, alcohol abuse, and smoking cigarettes.

The study found that 4.8% of the teens have been victims of cyberbullying, 7.4% admitted to cyberbullying, and 5.4% admitted to being both a cyberbully and a victim.  Also, 16% of the girls said they were cyberbullied by boys while only 5% of the boys said they were cyberbullied by girls.

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