Unmasking the Digital Threat: A Systematic Review of Cyberbullying’s Impact on Youth’s Mental Health
Cyberbullying and Mental Well-being
Keywords:
Cyberbullying, Mental Health, Quality of Life, YouthAbstract
Background: Cyberbullying, characterized by the use of digital means to harass or intimidate individuals, has become a widespread issue among young people, causing significant mental health problems. Unlike traditional bullies, the frequency and ubiquity of cyberbullying increase its psychological impact. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to determine the evidence on the mental health effects of cyberbullying in the young population.
Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search for research published in English between 2019 and 2024 across Google Scholar, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and EBSCOhost. We reviewed 1,200 articles, and after further filtering based on study design and language, 100 articles were reviewed as full articles, of which eight met our specific inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and quality assessed using the Effective Public Health Practices Project (EPHPP) tool.
Results: Studies highlighted the high prevalence of cyberbullying among young people, especially in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon. The primary psychiatric outcomes associated with cyberbullying are depression, anxiety, and stress. Factors such as urbanization, interpersonal problems, and specific cyberbullying behaviors were significant predictors of poor mental health outcomes.
Conclusion: Cyberbullying affects the mental health of young people, underscoring the need for comprehensive prevention programs and targeted interventions. Future research should explore practical ways to reduce the impact of cyberbullying and promote psychological well-being in vulnerable populations.
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