Cyberbullying and Its Long-Term Impact on the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital technology has reshaped social interactions among children and adolescents, while simultaneously increasing the prevalence of cyberbullying. This study was conducted as a literature review to integrate findings from recent research on the impact of cyberbullying on youth mental health. The topic was selected due to the growing global concern about cyberbullying, which differs from traditional bullying in its anonymity, speed of dissemination, and broad reach, making victims more vulnerable to severe psychological distress. The hypothesis underlying this review is that cyberbullying significantly contributes to mental health problems among adolescents, including depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal. The research method employed was library research, with analysis and synthesis of studies published within the last five years. Results consistently show that cyberbullying negatively affects emotional well-being, academic performance, and psychosocial development, and in severe cases, increases the risk of suicidal ideation. Protective factors such as resilience, digital literacy, and psychoeducational programs have been found to mitigate these effects. In conclusion, cyberbullying represents a complex global issue requiring comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies involving schools, parents, and policymakers. These findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen mental health support systems for adolescents in the digital era.