A Systematic Review of Cyberbullying and Mental Health among Adolescent Girls: Risk Factors, Protective Mechanisms, and Intervention Strategies

Abstract

Cyberbullying has emerged as a pervasive and damaging form of peer aggression in the digital age, with adolescent girls disproportionately affected due to gendered social dynamics and heightened online engagement. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review examining the psychological consequences of cyberbullying on female adolescents, including increased risks of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation. Drawing on empirical studies published primarily between 2014 and 2022, the review identifies key risk factors, such as problematic internet use and exposure to online sexual harassment, as well as critical protective mechanisms, including emotional intelligence, psychological resilience, parental support, and school connectedness. Furthermore, the paper evaluates existing intervention approaches, such as school-based psychoeducational programs, role-playing forums, and resilience-building curricula, highlighting their effectiveness in mitigating harm and fostering supportive peer environments. The synthesis underscores the need for multi-contextual, gender-sensitive strategies that integrate family, school, and digital literacy components. Limitations of current research, including small sample sizes, cultural specificity, and lack of longitudinal designs are also discussed, pointing toward future directions for action-oriented and ecologically grounded studies.