Electronic Aggression: Emerging Adolescent Health Issue
Young people who are victims of electronic aggression, such as posting of embarrassing photos and chat room harassment, may be at higher risk for behavioral problems such using alcohol, receiving school suspension, or experiencing in–person victimization.
Aggression is no longer limited to the school yard. Young people are using new media technology, including cell phones, personal data assistants, and the Internet, to communicate with others in the United States and throughout the world. New communication avenues, such as text messaging, chat rooms, and social networking Web sites (e.g., MySpace and Facebook), have allowed young people to easily develop relationships, some with people they have never met in person.
New technology has many potential benefits for youth. It allows young people to communicate with family and friends on a regular basis. New technology also provides opportunities for teens and preteens that have difficulty developing friendships in traditional social settings to make rewarding social connections. In addition, regular Internet access allows young people to quickly increase their knowledge on a wide variety of topics.
Action Steps
However, the recent explosion in technology does not come without possible risks. Youth can use electronic media to embarrass, harass or threaten their peers. Many different terms-such as cyberbullying, Internet harassment, and Internet bullying have been used to describe this type of violence; however, electronic aggression is the term that most accurately captures all types of violence that occur electronically. Increasing numbers of teens and preteens are becoming victims of this new form of violence. Like traditional forms of youth violence, electronic aggression is associated with emotional distress and conduct problems at school.
- School administrators can create a positive school atmosphere by talking with students and staff, providing training if needed, and developing policies, programs and a plan, to effectively address electronic aggression.
- Parents/caregivers can communicate with their children about technology; together they can develop rules about safe and acceptable behavior to prevent becoming victims. For years parents and caregivers have been asking their children where they go and who they are going with when they leave the house. They should ask these same questions when their child goes online. Exploring the Internet together provides insight to beneficial online activities; helps keep parents and caregivers up-to-date about their child’s activities, and may help reduce risk associated with aggression. Communicating with other parents and with school officials creates a stronger, more unified approach to electronic aggression.
More Information
- Publications
- Journal of Adolescent Health This special issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health contains 10 articles summarizing the data and recommendations from researchers and practitioners who are working on the issue of electronic aggression.
- Electronic Media and Youth Violence: A CDC Issue Brief For Educators and Caregivers
- Technology and Youth: Protecting your Child from Electronic Aggression (
161KB, 2 pages)
- Additional CDC Resources
- Additional Federal Resources
- Stop Bullying Now! Take a Stand, Lend a Hand (National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center)
12:32 minutes) 
