Cyber-bullying takes toll on teens’ mental health

Four of every five teenagers seen by the country’s biggest independent mental health service have been recent victims of cyber-bullying.

Although their underlying issues mostly relate to issues like eating disorders, anxiety disorder, substance abuse and, in rare cases, psychotic disorder, 80% of those referred to the adolescent services of St Patrick’s University Hospital (SPUH) were bullied online in the weeks or months before being referred there.

SPUH medical director Prof Jim Lucey said this kind of harassment could worsen the effect of existing mental health problems for many young people.