An expert has called for social media companies to take steps to protect teenagers from cyber-bullying – warning that it contributes to suicides.
Researchers say it is "rare" that on-line bullying is the sole cause of an adolescent death – but it is still an increasingly common factor.
The study suggests that homophobic bullying is often a key factor.
The findings come from an analysis of some 41 cases in the UK, Australia, Canada and the UK.
They were reported at the weekend at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference in New Orleans, USA.
The researchers found that 78% of the victims were bullied both at school and on-line. Some 17% – seven – appeared to have been the targets solely of on-line bullying.
Researcher Dr John LeBlanc said he believed the problem was still serious enough for measures to be taken – such as ending the ability of social network users to be anonymous.
He said: "Cyberbullying is a factor in some suicides, but almost always there are other factors such as mental illness or face-to-face bullying.
"Certain social media, by virtue of allowing anonymity, may encourage cyberbullying. It is difficult to prove a cause and effect relationship, but I believe there is little justification for anonymity."
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