Cyber and bias-based harassment: associations with academic, substance use, and mental health problems.

PURPOSE: To examine how two forms of interstudent harassment, cyber and bias-based harassment, are associated with academic, substance use, and mental health problems.

METHODS

We used a population-based survey of 17,366 middle and high school students that assessed harassment due to race/ethnicity or sexual orientation, and harassment through the Internet or text messaging along with other forms of interstudent harassment.

RESULTS

Odds ratios indicated that students experiencing both cyber and bias-based harassment were at the greatest risk for adjustment problems across all indicators, with suicidal ideation and attempts having the largest risk differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessments of adolescent health and adjustment should include questions regarding both cyber and bias-based harassment.