Cyberbullying, help-seeking and mental health in young Australians: Implications for public health

Barbara Spears; Carmel Taddeo; Anthony L Daly; Alexander Stretton; Larisa Karklins

doi:10.1007/s00038-014-0642-y

Back

Cyberbullying, help-seeking and mental health in young Australians: Implications for public health

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Cyberbullying, help-seeking and mental health in young Australians: Implications for public health

Barbara Spears, Carmel Taddeo, Anthony L Daly, Alexander Stretton and Larisa Karklins

International Journal of Public Health, Vol.60(2), pp.219-226

2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-014-0642-y

Files and links (1)

url

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-014-0642-yView

Published Version

Abstract

Public Health and Health Services

cyberbullying

help-seeking

mental health

youth Australia

cyberbully-victim

Objectives: To examine the relationship between young Australians' cyberbullying experiences, their help-seeking practices and associated mental well-being and social connectedness, with a view to informing national health and well-being agendas. Methods: An online survey was administered to young people aged 12-18 years (n = 2,338), recruited across Australia in year 2 of a larger 4-year study. Results: Youth with no experience of cyberbullying had better well-being profiles and mental health overall. Conversely, cyberbully victims, had poorer well-being and mental health and tended not to engage with online support services, in spite of being more likely to be online after 11 pm. Parents and peers were identified as key sources of help for most young people when dealing with problems. Conclusions: Cyberbullying is a public health issue particularly for vulnerable youth whose mental health and well-being is impacted more than those not involved. As youth are spending increasing time in the 24/7 online environment, there is a need to develop initiatives that engage young people and encourage help-seeking online, whilst concomitantly building capacity of parents and peers to support their well-being.

Details

Title: Cyberbullying, help-seeking and mental health in young Australians: Implications for public health
Authors: Barbara Spears (Author) - University of South Australia
Carmel Taddeo (Author) - University of South Australia
Anthony L Daly (Author) - University of South Australia
Alexander Stretton (Author) - University of South Australia
Larisa Karklins (Author) - University of South Australia
Publication details: International Journal of Public Health, Vol.60(2), pp.219-226
Publisher: Birkhaeuser Science
Date published: 2015
DOI: 10.1007/s00038-014-0642-y
ISSN: 1661-8556
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451238602621
Output Type: Journal article

Metrics

400 Record Views

56 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Web Of Science research areas: Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

Source: InCites