NEW research carried out by academics in Chelmsford and Cambridge has revealed that cyber-bullying affects one in five youngsters in UK.

Anglia Ruskin University has published a study which identifies how bullying via texts, e-mails, social networks can have detrimental effects on mental health for people aged 10 to 19.

Principle Lecturer in child and adolescent mental health Steven Walker discovered that cyber-bullying was far more prevalent amongst girls. Out of 500 people surveyed, 18.4 per cent admitted to being a victim and 69 per cent of those were female.

The most common effects were loss of confidence, self-esteem and mental and emotional well-being, with some youngsters admitting that it kept them away from school and stopped them socialising.

Mr Walker said that many bullies “have too much time on their hands” or “do it for a laugh or to get a reaction.”

He added: “Some people who cyber-bully think that they won’t get caught if they do it on a mobile phone or on the internet. The people who cyber-bully are usually jealous, angry or want to have revenge on someone, often for no reason at all.”

For information on how to deal with bullying and the effects, visit childline.org.uk or call the charity on 0800 1111.

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