Cyberbullying and Adolescent Neurobiology

Abstract

Whilst it is well documented that cyberbullying is linked to poor mental health outcomes, limited research has examined how cyberbullying may influence brain development adolescents, and the influence of each of these factors. The article's primary objective was to develop an understanding of research to date that addresses any relationship between adolescent brain development and cyberbullying. The current article reviews any existing literature regarding the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent brain development, paying particular attention to research using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Whilst brain studies have examined neural mechanisms associated with conduct disorders, antisocial behavior, and aggression in young people; there is a paucity of research examining these factors specifically in relation to cyberbullying. In particular, little research has examined how MRI research could help understand how the brain is affected by cyberbullying, not only in bullies and victims but also bystanders. This article highlights the gaps in the cyberbullying field in relation to neuroscience research, and the need for further, longitudinal research examining cyberbullying and how it may affect brain development in young people. This article concludes by suggesting a framework for future research, and highlights the importance of future findings for developing interventions and understanding short and long term effects.

Keywords: adolescence; brain development; cyberbullying; literature; mental health; neurobiology.

FIGURE 1

Changes in the brain and cognition occurring during adolescence which may influence cyberbullying behaviors. Black text represents changes and patterns to the brain and to cognition that occur during adolescence. The gray text represents aspects of cyberbullying associated with each of these four major factors discussed throughout this article. Furthermore, the associations between each factor and cyberbullying are represented as bi-directional in the figure, however, further research (in particular, longitudinal) needs to determine the nature and direction of relationships. Please note that all factors are significantly influenced by age and gender, as discussed throughout the article, however, these are not outlined in detail here for ease of interpretation of the figure.