Cyberbullying is an emergent problem associated to terrible consequences, especially in young adults.

To analyse the levels of behaviours of victimization and aggression of cyberbullying, suicidal ideation, mood states and consumption of psychoactive substances in a sample of college students from the University of Beira Interior (UBI), as well as to analyse the relationship between these variables.

Analytical cross-sectional study that integrates quantitative methodology. Data collection took place via online survey in the population of students at the UBI (n = 475, 329 females, mean age 22.2 ± 4.1 years). The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic, mental health and internet use data and the Portuguese versions of self-reported scales to measure mood states, consumption of psychoactive substances, the levels of behaviours of victimization and aggression of cyberbullying and the levels of suicidal ideation.

The levels of aggression of cyberbullying were significantly higher in male students and in users of social networks. There was a significant positive correlation between behaviours of victimization and aggression of cyberbullying, and between them and suicidal ideation and negative affect. The levels of both behaviours of cyberbullying and suicidal ideation were significantly higher in students consuming alcohol with drugs, just drugs and sedatives. There was a significant positive correlation between suicidal ideation and negative affect and a significant negative correlation between suicidal ideation and positive affect.

Both behaviours of cyberbullying were significantly associated with suicidal ideation and negative affect. Thus, stands out the relevance of an earlier identification of these behaviours and an adequate intervention by health professionals.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.