Silent Screams: A Narrative Review of Cyberbullying Among Indian Adolescents.

Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies, which can take place on social media, messaging platforms, gaming platforms, and mobile phones. It is repeated behavior aimed at scaring, angering, or shaming those who are targeted. India happens to be one of the rapidly improving countries in the cyber world and thus faces a lot of problems regarding cyber crimes, especially cyberbullying. This narrative review aims to provide a thorough assessment of the impact of cyberbullying among Indian adolescents. The database engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO were searched relevant to the Indian context, focused on cyberbullying and victimization among adolescents, and published within the last 10 years (2014-2024) were included. Around 19 articles were reviewed and analyzed. Cyberbullying in India is on the rise due to increased technology access, social media, and insufficient awareness and prevention measures, with significant gender differences in aggression patterns. The severe psychological and physiological effects on victims, including depression and stress-related health issues, highlight the need for accurate data and culturally tailored interventions. Studies show varying prevalence rates, emphasizing the urgent need for focused efforts to combat cyberbullying among Indian youth. The review encompasses various aspects, including prevalence, standard methods, forms, causes, consequences, and effects on mental health factors contributing to cyberbullying in India. Additionally, the review explores cyberbullying during COVID-19 and interventions for cyberbullying and highlights the evidence from cohort studies, mixed-method studies, and systematic reviews. A growing number of adolescents are experiencing cyberbullying, which has a severe impact on their lives and leads to unexpected deviances. Cyberbullying remains a growing threat, requiring stronger, coordinated action by the government to genuinely make a difference and safeguard adolescents in India.