Abstract
The rise of social media platforms has heightened cyberbullying among adolescents, closely tied to negative mental health outcomes. Substance use, including alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco, also remains a significant concern for this population. This study examines the relationship between cyberbullying and substance use, exploring potential sex differences in these associations. We analyzed data from the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (ABES) (n = 6,740 students in grades 9–12). We used multinomial logistic regression models to assess the relationship between past-year cyberbullying and current patterns of substance use (exclusive, dual, and poly), adjusting for sociodemographic factors, screen time, and mental health status. Stratified analyses examined effect modification by sex. Overall, 13.6% of the sample reported experiencing cyberbullying in the past year. Of these adolescents, substance use was reported by 16.4% (exclusive), 12.1% (dual), and 17.2% (poly). Experiencing cyberbullying was associated with increased odds of exclusive (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.12–1.89), dual (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.40–2.50), and poly (OR: 3.19, 95% CI: 2.16–4.71) substance use. Sex-stratified models indicated that among females, cyberbullying was associated with increased odds of dual (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.31–2.92) and polysubstance (OR: 4.24, 95% CI: 1.14–2.98) use, which were slightly larger than the odds among males for dual use (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.03–3.34) and significantly larger for polysubstance use (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.14–2.98). This study highlights the importance of addressing both cyberbullying and substance use among adolescents. Sex-sensitive interventions that promote healthier coping mechanisms for emotional distress are essential to reduce the risk of substance use among cyberbullying victims. Further research is needed to explore causal pathways and inform effective prevention strategies. Implications and Contributions Statement: This study demonstrates the association between cyberbullying and exclusive, dual, and polysubstance use among adolescents, particularly in females. These findings emphasize the need for sex-focused interventions targeting both cyberbullying and substance use to mitigate compounded risks to adolescent physical and mental health within digital and social contexts.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2026
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-24108-2
Funding Information
This research was supported, in part, by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Center for Tobacco Products (U54HL120163), the American Heart Association (20YVNR35500014), and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (R25DA054015). Dr. Mattingly’s time is also supported by the National Cancer Institute (R01CA251478-05S1). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health, the Food & Drug Administration, or the American Heart Association. The funding sponsors had no role in study design; data collection, analyses, or interpretation; manuscript preparation; or the decision to publish the results.
Repository Citation
Richardson, Maggie K.; Agbonlahor, Osayande; Hart, Joy L.; Diaby, Meman; and Mattingly, Delvon T., "Adolescent cyberbullying and polysubstance use: unpacking sex differences" (2026). Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology Faculty Publications. 67.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/edp_facpub/67
Included in
Counseling Psychology Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Student Counseling and Personnel Services Commons
Notes/Citation Information
© The Author(s) 2025