The study, published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, the largest long-term study of brain development in the United States, which collected data from 11,875 10-to-14-year-olds who were asked about their experiences of cyberbullying either as a target or perpetrator, and if they had experienced eating disorder symptoms.
Cyberbullying could lead to low self-esteem, body image dissatisfaction, and unhealthy attempts to control weight, which could impact the risk of mental health issues, including eating disorder symptoms.
Chloe M. Cheng, Lead Author, University of California
Co-author Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, noted: "This study emphasizes the need for more research on how cyberbullying is related to the mental wellbeing of early adolescents. In particular, future research should focus on whether there are associations between cyberbullying and specific eating disorders in early adolescents."
Findings from the study, according to the researchers, have "significant implications" for policymakers, public health, and clinical practice, most notably with regards to engagement strategies for early intervention and prevention strategies for both cyberbullying and eating disorders.
Other recommendations from the study include youth oriented education and prevention programs for eating disorders and cyberbullying, digital literacy education programs to encourage healthier online routines and digital wellbeing, increasing access to anticipatory and preventative guidance and best practices from medical experts, and more research into associated links between cyberbullying and specific eating disorders.