The Evolution of Cyberbullying Definitions in the Digital Age: A Systematic Review of Defining Attributes and Conceptual Synthesis

Cyberbullying is a major concern in youth digital environments. Using PRISMA-guided procedures and Walker and Avant’s concept analysis framework, we systematically reviewed definitions of cyberbullying published between 2000 and 2024. Searches across four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus) identified 1,536 records. After duplicate removal and multistage screening, 43 peer-reviewed studies met the final inclusion criteria. Across these studies, eight recurrent attributes were coded: electronic or digital mediation, aggressive behavior, willfulness or intentionality, repetition or persistence, harm, accessibility or ubiquity, anonymity, and power imbalance. The findings show substantial variation in how several attributes, particularly intentionality, repetition, anonymity, and power imbalance, were defined or emphasized across studies. Based on these patterns, this review offers an interpretive refinement of cyberbullying’s defining attributes to better reflect contemporary digital environments. By documenting definitional change over time, this study provides a clearer conceptual foundation for future youth-focused research, policy, and practice.