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Study Confirms Cyberbullying as Major Driver of PTSD in U.S. Teens

New research shows all forms of cyberbullying carry equal trauma risk, with calls for trauma-informed interventions in schools and youth services.

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Overview

  • A national study involving 2,697 U.S. adolescents found cyberbullying strongly linked to PTSD symptoms, regardless of the form it takes.
  • Nearly 87% of surveyed teens experienced at least one of 18 types of cyberbullying, highlighting its widespread prevalence.
  • Indirect behaviors, such as exclusion and rumors, were shown to cause trauma levels comparable to direct threats or harassment.
  • Cumulative exposure to cyberbullying was the strongest predictor of trauma, accounting for 32% of PTSD symptom variance.
  • Experts urge schools and youth services to adopt trauma-informed approaches, including training educators to recognize and address online victimization.