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.