Developmental trajectories of peer victimization: offline and online experiences during adolescence

This study investigated the development and consequences of offline and online peer victimization during adolescence. We examined the number of victimization trajectories, the relationship between trajectories, and their effect on life-satisfaction. A four-wave panel study with 6-month time intervals was conducted among a sample of adolescents aged 12-to-17-years (N = 1,762). Three offline victimization trajectories could be distinguished: a trajectory group of low to no victimization, a group of moderate victimization, and a group of high victimization across adolescence. Two groups in online victimization could be distinguished: a group of low to no and a group of moderate victimization which peaked at age 14. Dual-trajectory analyses revealed a substantial overlap between offline and online victimization. Finally, victimization and life-satisfaction were longitudinally related.The overlap between the offline and online victimization trajectories and their negative consequences on life-satisfaction suggest that prevention of peer victimization should focus on both types of victimization.