Managing cyberbullying among adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders: A scoping review

While there is evidence for the effectiveness of programmes targeting cyberbullying in general adolescent populations, less is known for adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders, who are at heightened risk of involvement in cyberbullying. This scoping review aimed to identify and map the evidence in relation to managing cyberbullying among adolescents aged 10-19 with neurodevelopmental disorders.

The following databases were searched: ProQuest (including dissertations and theses), PsychInfo, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers screened the studies in two stages: Title and abstract, and full text.

Twenty-nine studies were included; 19 involved exploring existing strategies used by adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders, their parents, teachers, or service providers, to manage cyberbullying. The remaining 10 papers implemented and evaluated the effectiveness of cyberbullying prevention and/or intervention programmes.

While there is some emerging evidence for the efficacy of cyberbullying programs for adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders, the literature is sparse. Future research should explore the efficacy of programmes delivered at classroom, small group, and individual levels and examine how adolescents with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders and diverse learning needs respond to such programmes. Critically, this may help reduce cyberbullying incidents and the subsequent impact on mental health among adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders.