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Published in: International Journal of Public Health 2/2015

01-02-2015 | Original Article

Longitudinal associations between cyber-bullying perpetration and victimization and problem behavior and mental health problems in young Australians

Authors: Sheryl A. Hemphill, Aneta Kotevski, Jessica A. Heerde

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 2/2015

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Abstract

Objectives

To investigate associations between Grade 9 and 10 cyber-bullying perpetration and victimization and Grade 11 problem behavior and mental health problems after controlling for risk factors for these outcomes in the analyses.

Methods

The sample comprised 927 students from Victoria, Australia who completed a modified version of the self-report Communities That Care Youth Survey in Grades 9–11 to report on risk factors, traditional and cyber-bullying perpetration and victimization, problem behavior, and mental health. Complete data on over 650 participants were analyzed.

Results

Five per cent of Grade 9 and 10 students reported cyber-bullying perpetration only, 6–8 % reported victimization only, and 8–9 % both cyber-bullied others and were cyber-bullied. Results showed that cyber-bullying others in Grade 10 was associated with theft in Grade 11, cyber-victimization in Grade 10 was linked with Grade 11 depressive symptoms, and Grade 10 cyber-bullying perpetration and victimization combined predicted Grade 11 school suspension and binge drinking.

Conclusions

Prevention approaches that target traditional and cyber-bullying, and established risk factors are necessary. Such multi-faceted programs may also reduce problem behavior and mental health problems.
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Metadata
Title
Longitudinal associations between cyber-bullying perpetration and victimization and problem behavior and mental health problems in young Australians
Authors
Sheryl A. Hemphill
Aneta Kotevski
Jessica A. Heerde
Publication date
01-02-2015
Publisher
Springer Basel
Published in
International Journal of Public Health / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-014-0644-9

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Acknowledgement to Reviewers

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