Invisible Wounds:The Psychological Impact of Cyberbullying on Adolescents and Its Prevention 

Ma Ruihong

Shanhua School, Fengyuan Town,Chengcheng County, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province P.R.China，715200；

Abstract:As a new form of attack derived from the digital era, cyberbullying has become a significant public health issue threatening the mental well-being of adolescents. This paper systematically reviews the psychological impact mechanisms and prevention strategies of adolescent cyberbullying. Research findings indicate that cyberbullying triggers severe psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, non-suicidal self-injury, and even suicidal ideation through multiple pathways including emotional dysregulation, cognitive distortion, and weakened social support, forming a vicious cycle of "victimization—psychological distress—problematic behavior." In terms of prevention and intervention, individual psychological interventions, school-based social-emotional learning programs, family support system development, and multi-sectoral collaboration within the public health framework constitute the current four-dimensional prevention system against cyberbullying. Future research should further explore the buffering mechanisms of protective factors, promote the localization of evidence-based intervention programs, and establish a more effective protective network for adolescent online safety.  

Keywords:cyberbullying; adolescents; mental health; psychological mechanisms; prevention strategies

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