INTERVENTIONS TO SUPPORT YOUNG CYBERBULLYING VICTIMS: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Cyber bullying is an electronic form of bullying and an emerging threat to the well-being of the young. It has adverse impacts on children and the paediatric population. The healthcare professionals or HCP and their involvement in the prevention and support of young victims are crucial. Little information is available for HCPs supporting cyber bullied children and adolescents. There is a need for more recent evidence in this area of research, mapping out the concepts and any gaps in knowledge. The current scoping review presents the literature about interventions that support young cyber bullying victims. This review utilized the five-step framework by Arksey et al. with recent advancements. Based on PRISMA-ScR guidelines for reviews, there were 24 articles and publications that were included in the review. The results reflect an overrepresentation of studies in Western Countries. Two studies conducted interventions, and specific screening tools are in six studies, including being recommended as clinical guidelines. The LET’S CONNECT community mentorship program, and the Bullying awareness group intervention showed promising findings and significant results for victims of cyber bullying. The commonly reported component was the screening of the victims. Supporting measures were also mentioned, such as assessment, prevention, appropriate management, early detection, and stabilization. The results also highlighted the roles of HCPs and clinical guidelines recommended in healthcare settings. This scoping review presented the current evidence available for youth cyber bullying victims. Although there is heterogeneity in studies, findings showed an excellent orientation on some interventions and components of studies to develop future research. The roles of healthcare professionals compiled by the researcher could serve as a baseline for further studies. Cross-cultural research could be explored in the future for comparative information. The lack of sample diversity, little comparison with interventions, and the heterogeneity of studies indicate a research gap in this area.