Citation

Diaz KI, Fite PJ. Child Youth Care Forum 2019; 48(4): 529-544.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10566-019-09493-w

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BackgroundThere is limited research examining outcomes associated with cyber victimization among middle school age youth, which is a time of increased online usage and risk for problem behaviors.

OBJECTIVEThe current study evaluated associations between cyber victimization, lifetime substance use, and anxiety and depression symptoms over an academic year while also considering physical and relational victimization.

METHODSurveys were completed by 260 students (53% male, ages 11-15) in middle school within a small, rural area in the fall and spring of an academic year.

RESULTSRegression analyzes indicated that cyber victimization was linked to increased risk for substance use concurrently and prospectively. Cyber victimization, however, was not related to anxiety or depression symptoms at either time point when also considering physical and relational victimization.

CONCLUSIONSCyber victimization is evident in middle school and increases the risk for substance use.

Language: en

Keywords

Anxiety; Cyber victimization; Depression; Peer victimization; Substance use