Cyber and Bias-based Harassment: Associations With Academic, Substance Use, and Mental Health Problems

Purpose: To examine how two forms of interstudent harassment, cyber and bias-based harassment, are associated with academic, substance use, and mental health problems. Methods: We used a population-based survey of 17,366 middle and high school students that assessed harassment due to race/ethnicity or sexual orientation, and harassment through the Internet or text messaging along with other forms of interstudent harassment. Results: Odds ratios indicated that students experiencing both cyber and bias-based harassment were at the greatest risk for adjustment problems across all indicators, with suicidal ideation and attempts having the largest risk differences. Conclusions: Assessments of adolescent health and adjustment should include questions regarding both cyber and bias-based harassment. (C) 2012 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. All rights reserved.