A survey conducted by Dr. Andre Sourander of Turku University, Finland of 2,000 seventh- and ninth-grade students (13-16 years old) found being an cyber bully, victim, or both is associated with a greater risk of psychosocial and other problems. These include worries about safety in and out of school, compared with other students of the same age.

According to the survey :

• 4.8 % of the students said they were cybervictims
• 7.4 % said they were cyberbullies
• 5.4 % said they were both bullies and victims
• Victims and bullies alike had more problems with emotions, behavior, and headaches
• Victims were less likely to come from homes with two parents
• Bullies smoked and drank more
• Both groups felt unsafe not only at school, but also out of school, a sign that online aggression doesn’t stop when the school day ends

It is important to note that the study was based on anonymous reports from teens that were not independently confirmed.

Source: Both cyberbullies and victims feel unsafe, boston.com, July 12, 2010

Tags: Cyberbullying, teens, research