Cyber-bullies 'more likely to attempt suicide'

The study suggests cyberbullies are 20% more likely to have suicidal thoughts than non-perpetrators. Credit: PA

A new study suggests that children who bully others over the internet are more likely to have suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide.

The findings, by UK researchers, including academics at Birmingham University, are based on a survey which measured the impact of cyberbullying on children and young people across 30 countries.

Cyberbullying is using electronic communication to bully another, such as by sending intimidating, threatening or unpleasant messages.

The researchers found that cyberbullies are around 20% more likely to have suicidal thoughts and to attempt suicide than non-perpetrators.