LES ADOLESCENTS AUTEURS DU CYBER HARCELEMENT ET PATHOLOGIE MENTALE : QUELS LIENS ?

Introduction: Cyberstalking is a relatively recent phenomenon that particularly affects adolescents. Several studies have focused on victims of cyberstalking, but few studies have focused on perpetrators, which is why it is important to examine the psychiatric disorders of perpetrators or even their psychiatric profile. Purpose: To identify the psychiatric characteristics of adolescent cyberstalkers. Methods: Review of the literature on adolescent cyberstalkers Results and Discussion: Several studies show that youth involved in cyberstalking have significantly more behavioral problems than youth who are not involved. Cyberstalkers are distinguished by heteroaggressive behavior in general, as well as frequent acts of transgression and anti-social behavior, and troubled relationships with caregivers. As the severity, frequency and duration of cyberbullying increase, so do the difficulties in emotional and social relationships. In terms of schooling, there are repercussions in terms of performance, behaviour in class and well-being at school. In addition, studies have revealed various psychosomatic manifestations on these harassers, especially headaches, abdominal pain and sleep disorders. Paradoxically, being a cyber-stalker also puts one at high risk of becoming a cyber-victim, especially if the aggression is frequent, which can lead to more psychosocial difficulties. Conclusion: Cyberstalking has a real impact on the mental health of young adolescents, both perpetrators and victims, which requires health professionals to pay attention to this increasingly frequent phenomenon.