In today's digital age, cyberbullying is a pervasive threat to adolescent well-being. [1] Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can occur 24/7, reaching teens through smartphones, social media, and other online platforms. This relentless form of harassment not only impacts mental health but also correlates with increased substance use among teenagers. [2][3]
A recent study delves into this connection, analyzing data from over 146,000 Brazilian adolescents. The research highlights how cyberbullying victimization is linked to higher rates of substance use and mental health issues, with notable gender disparities. [4]

Key findings from the Frontiers study
The study, conducted in Brazil, reveals several critical insights:
- Prevalence of cyberbullying: A significant portion of adolescents (13.3% in a group of 146,536 participants up to 17 years old) reported experiencing cyberbullying in the 30 days before the survey, underscoring the widespread nature of this issue.
- Association with substance use: Victims of cyberbullying showed a higher likelihood of using substances like alcohol and drugs, with 22% of bullied individuals seeking substance use against 11% in the non-bullied group, suggesting substance use as a coping mechanism for the distress caused by online harassment.
- Gender disparities: The study found that 61.9% of bullied individuals were female and only 38.1% were boys. Thus, female adolescents are more likely to be victims of cyberbullying and, consequently, exhibit higher rates of substance use compared to their male counterparts.
What can young people do to cope with cyberbullying?
We asked experts in youth psychology to offer some advice on how to successfully counteract cyberbullying. Dr. Randi Spiker, an expert in developmental psychology, had this to offer:

Medical advisor
Ph.D., M.S.
Dr. Deborah Vinall, psychologist and family therapist, emphasises the importance of involving an adult in the situation to address any long-term effects developing.

Medical advisor
PsyD, LMFT
Ellie Borden, psychotherapist, author, and neuroscience coach, believes that while seeking support is vital, a more direct approach is also beneficial in certain situations:

Medical advisor
BA, RP
Cyberbullying and mental health
Cyberbullying significantly affects mental health. Victims often experience depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The constant exposure to online harassment can create a sense of helplessness, leading to isolation and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. [3]
The anonymity of the internet emboldens bullies, making it challenging for victims to escape their tormentors. This persistent stress can disrupt sleep patterns, academic performance, and social relationships, further deteriorating mental health.
Long-term effects of cyberbullying
We asked the experts what the potential long-term effects of cyberbullying can be for both the victims and the perpetrators. Here's what Dr. Spoker had to say:
For perpetrators, cyberbullying has been correlated with a lack of empathy and in-person bullying behaviors. Bullying is often associated in youth with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) such as trauma, domestic abuse, and authoritarian or permissive parenting styles. These can all have lifetime consequences for young people, including increased risks of arrest and conviction, more frequent experiences of violence, increased substance use, and risky behaviors. These, in turn, contribute to myriad lifetime economic and social consequences. [6]

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Ph.D., M.S.
Dr. Karyn Hall, psychologist and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) specialist, highlights the specific mental health disorders that can be exacerbated or caused by cyberbullying:
Long-term risks may include: persistent social withdrawal and difficulty forming trusting relationships, substance use or behavioral addictions as coping mechanisms, suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors, and academic or career disruptions due to avoidance and lack of confidence.
What makes cyberbullying especially harmful is its reach—it follows victims home, is often anonymous, and leaves a digital footprint that’s hard to escape. Early intervention and trauma-informed care are key to reducing these long-term effects. [8]

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Ph.D., MSCP, APIT
Dr. Vinall points out that, as well as the mental health problems caused by cyberbullying, it can also affect an individual's ability to form meaningful relationships:

Medical advisor
PsyD, LMFT
Cyberbullying and why teens turn to substances
For many adolescents, substances might become a means to numb the emotional pain inflicted by cyberbullying. The temporary relief provided by drugs or alcohol could seem like an escape from the relentless negativity online.
However, this coping mechanism often leads to dependency and addiction, creating a dangerous cycle where the underlying issues remain unaddressed. The initial solace found in substances can quickly spiral into addiction, compounding the challenges faced by these young individuals.
Is there a need for stricter regulations for young people accessing social media sites?
With states like Florida already pushing for tighter restrictions on phone and social media access for children, public opinion for wider restrictions is growing. Is taking away young people's access to social media the answer to cyberbullying? Here's what the experts think:

Medical advisor
PsyD, LMFT
Dr. Spiker suggests that it is the companies that own these platforms that need to be held accountable for their actions before any meaningful change can occur:

Medical advisor
Ph.D., M.S.
Ellie Borden echoes the need for tighter regulations being enforced by social media companies, as well as the need for more tools for parents to be able to openly talk to children about cyberbullying:

Medical advisor
BA, RP
Breaking the cycle: Prevention and treatment
Addressing the intertwined issues of cyberbullying and substance use requires a multifaceted approach:
- Education: Schools and communities must educate teens about the dangers of cyberbullying and substance abuse, promoting empathy and digital responsibility.
- Support systems: Establishing safe spaces where adolescents can discuss their experiences without judgment encourages openness and healing.
- Mental health services: Accessible counseling and therapy can help victims process their trauma and develop healthy coping strategies.
- Parental involvement: Parents should maintain open lines of communication and foster trust to ensure their children feel supported. [5]
- Policy implementation: Enforcing anti-cyberbullying policies within schools and online platforms can deter potential bullies and protect victims.
Resources and support systems
For those affected by cyberbullying and substance addiction, besides the resources available on our website, consider:
- StopBullying.gov: Provides information on how to prevent and respond to bullying.
- National suicide prevention lifeline: Offers 24/7 support for individuals in distress.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Connects individuals with treatment facilities and support groups.
- Local community centers: Often host workshops and counseling sessions for teens and families dealing with these issues.
By leveraging these resources and fostering a supportive environment, we can help adolescents navigate the challenges of cyberbullying and reduce the risk of substance dependency.