Behavioural Psychopathology Online and Cyberbullying

Globally, it is agreed that the internet can serve as a tool that enhances well-being. Using a clinical perspective the aim of this chapter is to explore the factors that contribute to cyberbullying such as the online disinhibition effect, the identity transition from a private self to a social self and poor parental monitoring. Furthermore, in view of the possible negative influence related to a problematic internet use on human development, risk factors and health effect on adolescents, such as depression, anxiety, compulsivity, feeling of loneliness and social isolation are discussed. The chapter also investigates the importance of family factors and especially the parenting style in relation to the development of risk behaviors in computer use.