Cyberbullying in young people

Widespread technology use has opened the door to alternative forms of aggression and victimization, such as cyberbullying. This type of bullying poses specific risks, since it can occur anytime and in different contexts, as well as being anonymous and with capacity to reach a wide audience and be less visible to adults. Several individual and contextual factors have been identified as protective and risk factors, and potential impacts in mental health (as either externalizing or internalizing problems, as well as impairment in functioning) are well documented. Awareness of cyberbullying is key to a proper assessment of this problem, which needs to address a number of areas, including understanding the type of cyberbullying, family and school factors, and mental health. Early intervention is needed when bullying is recognized, as well as preventative strategies and therapeutic interventions, which may take place at an individual level, or involve home and school. Clinical and policy implications are discussed.