Cyberbullying and depression among low-income African-American and Hispanic middle school youth

Background: Cyberbullying is a growing problem. Studies of this issue among low-income, racial/ethnic minority youth, however, are sparse. It is important to document the prevalence of cyberbullying in this population since their use of technology has grown rapidly. It is also critical to examine whether cyberbullying in this population is associated with mental health outcomes like depression, since 1) their access to mental health services may be more limited and 2) few studies, among any population, have examined the association. Methods: Students at 15 predominantly African-American and Latino middle schools (n=1239) participated as part of the evaluation of a sexual health education program. All variables were assessed at second follow-up. Analysis was restricted to youth who used the Internet/cell phone for at least minimal time during an average week. Cyberbullying was defined as bullying others and/or being bullied on the Internet/text messaging at least a few times (past year). Depressive symptomology was assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were conducted. Results: The sample was 63% female, 36% African-American, 53% Hispanic; mean age was 13.96 (SD=0.75). 12% of youth were involved as either a cyberbully, cybervictim, or both. After adjusting for traditional bullying and intervention status, cyberbullies and cybervictims were 2.71 (95% CI=1.34, 5.49) and 3.11 times (95% CI 1.64, 5.89), respectively, more likely to report depressive symptoms. The association with depressive symptomology was strongest for youth reporting both cyber-activities. Conclusions: Implications for development of interventions to reduce cyberbullying among this population will be discussed.