Developing and Evaluating an Adolescent-Focused Mobile App to Combat Cyberbullying: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Digital Health
• Adolescent Mental Health

Background:

• Cyberbullying is prevalent among adolescents, significantly impacting their mental well-being.
• Mobile digital tools offer potential self-help solutions for adolescents facing cyberbullying.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), gamification, and psycho-education are key components for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and compare the efficacy of a self-help mobile application and a face-to-face anti-cyberbullying program for adolescents.
• To evaluate the interventions' effectiveness in combating cyberbullying and improving mental health outcomes.
• To determine if intervention effects vary across demographic subgroups.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 75 adolescents across three groups: mobile app, face-to-face program, and wait-list control.
• The mobile app integrated CBT principles, gamification, and psycho-education.
• Intervention efficacy was assessed, and moderator analyses examined demographic influences.

Main Results:

• Both the mobile app and the face-to-face program significantly reduced cyberbullying.
• No statistically significant differences were found between the mobile app and the face-to-face intervention.
• Intervention effects were consistent across various demographics, including gender, age, grade level, and internet usage.

Conclusions:

• Self-help mobile-based interventions are effective, non-stigmatizing, and accessible tools for combating adolescent cyberbullying.
• Both digital and traditional interventions show comparable efficacy.
• These findings support the integration of technology in mental health support for adolescents.