"Compared to teens who didn't engage in such behaviors," cyberbullies "had trouble getting along with others and often suffered from hyperactivity and conduct problems," according to the paper in the Archives of General Psychiatry. "Cyberbullies also frequently smoked or got drunk, reported headaches, and were more prone to not feeling safe at school."

As for the victims, they "reported emotional, concentration, and behavioral issues, as well as trouble getting along with their peers," according to WebMD (7/6, Mann). "These teens were also more likely to report frequent headaches, recurrent stomach pain, and difficulty sleeping; one in four said they felt unsafe at school." In light of these findings, lead researcher Andre Sourander, MD, PhD, "a child psychiatrist at Turku University," said, "Future research is needed on whether anti-bullying policies materials, interventions and mobile telephone and Internet user guidelines are effective for reducing cyberbullying."

Editor’s Note:

The Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry has made bullying a particular focus of our attention, helping sponsor educational programs in Maryland on this topic geared for medical professionals.

Related Links:

- Mental Health Woes Plague 'Cyberbullies' and Their Victims," Steven Reinberg, HealthDay News, July 6, 2010.

- Study Shows Mental and Physical Impact of Cyberbullying on Victims and Bullies," Denise Mann, WebMD, July 6, 2010.