# What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention for a student experiencing cyberbullying?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=543456  
> language: ko  
> subject: Mental Health

## 문제

What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention for a student experiencing cyberbullying?

## 보기

1. Ensure the student's immediate safety and assess for suicidal ideation **✔ 정답**
2. Contact the student's parents immediately to inform them of the situation
3. Advise the student to block the bullies on social media platforms
4. Schedule a meeting with school administrators to discuss disciplinary action

**정답: 1**

## 해설

Ensuring immediate safety and assessing for suicidal ideation is the priority due to signs like hopelessness and withdrawal. Other interventions are important but secondary to safety.

## 심화 해설

Understanding the Priority: Safety First

In any nursing situation involving a potential mental health crisis, the first step is always to assess for immediate danger. For a student experiencing cyberbullying, the psychological distress can be severe. Research establishes a direct and significant link between cyberbullying victimization and suicidal ideation or attempts. A systematic review confirms that being a victim of bullying is a "key factor in the development of multiple mental health issues, such as depression or even suicide" [3]. Therefore, before any other action—such as notifying parents, giving advice on social media use, or planning disciplinary measures—the nurse must first determine if the student is safe and screen for any risk of self-harm.

Why Other Interventions Are Not the Priority

While the other options represent valid components of a comprehensive care plan, they are not the most appropriate initial intervention from a nursing standpoint.

- Contacting parents (Option 2) is an important step in the care of a minor but does not address an immediate, potentially life-threatening crisis. The nurse's primary duty is to the patient's immediate physiological and psychological safety.

- Advising the student to block bullies (Option 3) is a practical coping strategy to reduce further exposure, but it is a secondary prevention measure. It does not assess or manage the emotional trauma that has already occurred.

- Scheduling a meeting with administrators (Option 4) addresses the systemic and disciplinary aspect of the problem. This is a long-term solution that does not manage the student's acute distress in the moment.

The Pathophysiological and Clinical Rationale

The intense emotional pain caused by cyber victimization can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression, which are critical mediating factors for suicidal behavior. A study analyzing data from over 9,300 U.S. high school students found that cyberbullying and other forms of peer victimization, along with depression, significantly mediated the pathway from adverse experiences to suicide attempts [4]. The psychological impact is profound because cyberbullying removes spatio-temporal barriers, making the victim feel they cannot escape the harassment even in their own home . This constant state of threat can dysregulate stress responses and rapidly escalate a crisis. The nurse's immediate role is to provide a safe, private environment and use therapeutic communication to conduct a focused risk assessment, directly asking about thoughts of self-harm. This clinical judgment aligns with the nursing process, where assessment always precedes planning and implementation.References (research sources)

- [3]Effectiveness of School-Based Psychoeducational Program in Reducing Bullying and Improving Self-Esteem: A Systematic Review.Meta-analysis/systematic reviewMuñoz MB, Zafra-Agea JA, Marco EM, Flores-Saldaña M, Vera-Remartínez EJ, Esteve-Clavero A, Molés-Julio MP. (2026) · DOI: 10.3390/healthcare14030330

- [4]Adverse childhood experiences and suicide attempts among high school students: The mediating effects of peer victimization and depression by sex.Research articleKim YK, Hong JS, Pounders R, Wilkes J, Brune S, Yang M. (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2026.03.020

## 임상 시나리오

Cyberbullying Crisis: Initial Nursing ResponsePrioritize safety and suicide screening above all else
The first and most critical action is to ensure the student's immediate safety. This requires a direct, private conversation to assess for suicidal ideation, plan, or intent. A systematic review confirms cyberbullying victimization is a key factor in developing depression and suicide risk.

Use a validated screening tool like the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) or direct questions: "Have you had thoughts about hurting yourself or ending your life?" Do not leave a student expressing suicidal ideation alone.

CautionContacting parents, advising to block bullies, or reporting to administrators are all valid but secondary steps. They must never delay the immediate safety assessment and suicide risk screening, which is the nursing priority.

## 핵심 개념

- **Cyberbullying** — A form of bullying using electronic means, linked to severe psychological distress, depression, and increased risk of suicidal ideation in victims.
- **Suicidal Ideation** — Thoughts about, or an unusual preoccupation with, suicide. Screening for this is a critical first step in a mental health crisis assessment.
- **Priority Nursing Intervention** — The first action taken based on the nursing process, prioritizing physiological and psychological safety (Maslow's hierarchy) before other interventions.

## 같은 주제 문제

- [A school nurse is assessing a 14-year-old student who has been referred for possible bully…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=543454)
- [A school nurse is assessing a 15-year-old student who has been referred for possible bully…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=543455)
- [A 16-year-old student has been experiencing persistent bullying at school for the past 3 m…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=543457)

---

More free questions: [기출문제](https://mymerci.kr/)

_학습 참고용입니다. 실제 임상은 최신 지침과 소속 기관 프로토콜을 따르세요._