A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Cyberbullying Victimization and Suicide Attempt Among Adolescents: A Cross-National Comparison




AuthorsGrimland, Meytal; Mori, Yuko; Lesinskiene, Sigita; Li, Liping; Ong, Say How; Praharaj, Samir Kumar; Wiguna, Tjhin; Zamani, Zahra; Heinonen, Emmi; Gilbert, Sonja; Brunstein, Klomek Anat; Sourander, Andre; The EACMHS Study Group

PublisherMDPI AG

Publication year2025

JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Journal name in sourceInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Article number385

Volume22

Issue3

eISSN1660-4601

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030385

Web address https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030385

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/485072193


Abstract

The widespread use of the Internet among teenagers has raised concerns about cyberbullying and its impact on adolescent well-being. This study examined the association between cyberbullying victimization and suicide attempts among adolescents in high-income and low/middle-income countries. Data from six countries (Singapore, China, Iran, Indonesia, India, and Lithuania) were collected as part of the Eurasian Child Mental Health Study. A total sample of 9892 adolescents aged 13–15 years old (51.9% girls) was analyzed. Generalized estimating equation models with school-wise clusters were conducted. The prevalence of suicide attempts was 4.8%, with higher rates among girls. Cyberbullying victimization only was reported by 5.4% of the participants, while traditional bullying victimization only was reported by 19.2%. The study found that being a victim of combined (both traditional and cyberbullying) had the highest odds of suicide attempt in both high-income and low/middle-income countries. Emotional symptoms were identified as a moderator, influencing the association between combined bullying victimization and suicide attempt. These findings highlight the urgent need for global efforts to prevent and intervene in cyberbullying and its detrimental effects on adolescent mental health. The study emphasizes the importance of examining regional risk factors and implementing targeted interventions to address this growing public health concern.


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Last updated on 2025-23-06 at 13:21