Despite concerns about the effects of internet use, little is known about how problematic internet use impacts on British children and adolescents. By adapting the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ, Demetrovics et al. 2008), this study seeks its validation while studying its association with psychopathological and health problems. A sample of 1,814 children and adolescents (aged 10-16 years old) from UK schools completed questionnaires about PIU, behavioural problems, depression, anxiety and health problems. Confirmatory Factor Analysis identified three independent factors: Neglect, Obsession and Control Disorder. Using path analysis PIU was significantly predicted by conduct problems, hyperactivity, impact on daily life activities, depression and poorer physical health. Males were more likely than females to score higher on PIU. The study shows for the first time that the adapted PIU questionnaire constitutes a valid tool for the assessment of problematic internet use among children/adolescents. The results also suggest an urgent need for the development of intervention strategies.

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Background. Refugee children might have experienced violent and traumatic events before settling into a new country. In the United Kingdom, the number of refugee children is increasing; however, little is known about their psycho-social and physical well-being.

Cyberbullying, in its different forms, is common among children and adolescents and is facilitated by the increased use of technology. The consequences of cyberbullying could be severe, especially on mental health, potentially leading to suicide in extreme cases. Although parents, schools and online social networking sites are encouraged to provide a safe online environment, little is known about the legal avenues which could be utilised to prevent cyberbullying or act as a deterrent to such. This article attempts to explore current laws, and the challenges that exist to establishing cyberbullying legislation in the context of the UK. It is arguable that a number of statutes may be of assistance in relation to cyberbullying, namely However, given the lack of clear definition of bullying, the applicability of these laws to cyberbullying is open to debate. Establishing new legislation or a modification to existing laws is particularly challenging for a number of reasons, namely: an absence of consistent bullying/cyberbullying definition, a difficulty in determining intention to harm or evidence of such, a lack of surveillance, a lack of general awareness, issues surrounding jurisdiction, the role of technology, and the age of criminal responsibility. These challenges are elaborated and discussed in this article.

Bullying and cyberbullying have severe psychological and legal consequences for those involved. However, it is unclear how or even if previous experience of bullying and cyberbullying is considered in mental health assessments. Furthermore, the relevance and effectiveness of current legal solutions has been debated extensively, resulting in a desire for a specific legislation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the psychological and legal components of bullying and cyberbullying. This is a qualitative research that includes interviews with five practitioner psychologists and four lawyers in the United Kingdom (UK). Thematic analysis revealed three main themes. One theme is related to the definition, characteristics, and impact of bullying and cyberbullying and the need for more discussion among the psychological and legal professions. Another theme is related to current professional procedures and the inclusion of questions about bullying and cyberbullying in psychological risk assessments. The third theme emphasised the importance of intervention through education. Two key messages were highlighted by the lawyers: ample yet problematic legislation exists, and knowledge will ensure legal success. The study recommends the necessity of performing revisions in the clinical psychological practices and assessments, and the legal policies regarding bullying and cyberbullying. In addition to improving legal success, this will reduce bullying prevalence rates, psychological distress, and psychopathology that can be comorbid or emerge as a result of this behaviour.