Objective:

To investigate the comorbidity network characteristics of depressive symptoms and internet addiction among bullying-victimized adolescents and compare differences between left-behind and non-left-behind adolescents.

Key Findings:

• Overall predictability of network nodes was 0.27.
• Risky persistence and Tolerance had the highest strength centrality in the symptom network.
• Principal bridge symptoms included Risky persistence, Escape coping, and Depressive affect.
• No significant differences in network structure or global strength between left-behind and non-left-behind adolescents.

Interpretation:

Exposure to school bullying is a critical intervention target, with similar symptom network patterns observed in both left-behind and non-left-behind adolescents, suggesting that interventions should focus on bullying exposure and symptom severity rather than identity-based distinctions.

Limitations:

• Cross-sectional design limits causal inferences.
• Reliance on self-reported measures may introduce bias.
• Generalizability may be limited to specific populations.

Conclusion:

Findings provide empirical evidence for developing integrated intervention strategies for adolescents exposed to school bullying, emphasizing the importance of addressing bullying exposure and symptom severity.