Cyberbullying: An Unceasing Threat in Today's Digitalized World

Cyberbullying, the use of electronic communication to bully another person with intimidation or threatening messages, has become an ever-increasing public safety concern. Lifetime bullying incidences have doubled in the past 10 years. Although all youth are at risk, the risk is significantly higher for minority and disabled children, adolescent girls, and youth with poor interpersonal relationships and low self-esteem. Enhanced by modern technology, cyberbullies experience an online disinhibition effect due to distance from the victim. Risk factors for cyberbullying include substance use, being raised by authoritarian parenting style, and poor relationship bonds. Because one of the most significant protective factors against cyberbullying victimization is social support, interventions have focused on fostering supportive environments. This article reviews behaviors, epidemiology, characteristics of victims and perpetrators, impact on individuals, and prevention and interventions related to cyberbullying.