Cyberbullying: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: With the rapidly expanding digital world over the past decade and more to the current context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, where online activities have replaced most of the offline activities, it is important to understand bullying, which has crossed from its traditional domain of offline to online and is understood as cyberbullying. Aim: This review aims to assess the concept, types of cyberbullying, prevalence, risk and protective factors, conceptual models explaining cyberbullying, psychological impact, and preventive strategies for cyberbullying. Methodology: Internet sources (PubMed and Google Scholar) were searched for the available literature, and a narrative review was synthesized. Different types of cyberbullying are defined in the literature. The prevalence rates vary depending on the time frame of assessment being considered. The mean prevalence of victimization is 10%–40%, and the prevalence of perpetration is 3%–20%. Results: Different risk and protective factors have been identified for being a victim of cyberbullying and becoming a cyberbully. Cyberbullying can have a significant negative psychological impact on the victims. Prevention of cyberbullying involves guidance for parents, advice for schools, and guidance for the health-care providers. Cyberbullying is becoming a major issue for many teenagers, resulting in unforeseen deviances and negative effects in their lives. Conclusions: Efforts should be taken to successfully avoid and respond to it, as well as to provide kids with tools to lessen their own risk of victimization.