Cyber Victimization and Its Association with Substance Use, Anxiety, and Depression Symptoms Among Middle School Youth

Abstract

There is limited research examining outcomes associated with cyber victimization among middle school age youth, which is a time of increased online usage and risk for problem behaviors. The current study evaluated associations between cyber victimization, lifetime substance use, and anxiety and depression symptoms over an academic year while also considering physical and relational victimization. Surveys were completed by 260 students (53% male, ages 11–15) in middle school within a small, rural area in the fall and spring of an academic year. Regression analyzes indicated that cyber victimization was linked to increased risk for substance use concurrently and prospectively. Cyber victimization, however, was not related to anxiety or depression symptoms at either time point when also considering physical and relational victimization. Cyber victimization is evident in middle school and increases the risk for substance use.