Adolescents: Isolation and Cyberbullying – Press Review

An increasing number of adolescents are living in a condition of isolation, hyperconnectivity, and exposure to the risk of cyberbullying. This is the picture outlined by two important studies published between January and February 2025 by the MUSA (Social Change, Evaluation and Methods) research group at CNR-IRPPS, with contributions from Antonio Tintori, Loredana Cerbara, and Giulia Ciancimino.

The first study, entitled “Self-isolation of adolescents after Covid-19 pandemic between social withdrawal and Hikikomori risk in Italy“, was published in the journal Scientific Reports of the Nature group. Based on data from two cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2019 and 2022 on nationally representative samples of 3,273 and 4,288 adolescents aged 14 to 19, the research highlights a concerning trend: the number of young people who no longer meet their friends outside the school setting has nearly doubled following the Covid-19 pandemic.

A few weeks later, the journal Societies (MDPI) published a second study, “Sociopsychological Analysis of a Highly Vulnerable Category of Adolescents: Victim-Perpetrators of Cyberbullying from a Wide National Survey of Italian Adolescents“, conducted by the same group. This research examines the phenomenon of cyberbullying among young people in Italy, analyzing the factors that influence the likelihood of becoming victims or perpetrators of cyberbullying episodes. Among the most significant aspects are gender, age, geographical origin, excessive digital connectivity, and low trust in adults.

Both studies have generated considerable interest in public debate, bringing to light dynamics that are often overlooked but increasingly relevant.

Below is a list of contributions published in recent weeks aimed at a broader audience.

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