Bullying isn’t a new issue. However, it has shifted to social media platforms and text messages from school grounds, buses, and neighborhood parks. The use of the internet or mobile technology to harass, threaten, or hurt another person is known as cyberbullying. And the freedom that comes with anonymity propels them to hurt people. Most people do not realize how cyberbullying can affect a person’s mental health; it’s all fun and games to them. So in this article, we will discuss the effects of cyberbullying on one’s mental health and how to prevent it.
What is CyberBullying?
Bullying is repetitive, intentional, and unprovoked hostile behavior that is used to injure a victim. It is frequently carried out by someone who has control over the victim on a physical, social, or psychological level.
Cyberbullying refers to this behavior when it is carried out through the use of technology, the internet, or texting and calling.
A study carried out in Sweden indicates that both the victim and the offender of cyberbullying are at risk of developing mental health problems like depression and anxiety since it often involves the use of electronic gadgets. Cyberbullying, which can take on many different forms, including sending threatening emails, transmitting private photos or messages, or posting on social media sites, can progress to the same seriousness as traditional bullying. Thus, because of the anonymity and endless access that cyberbullies have to their victims, cyberbullying typically manifests as a pattern of disrespectful, threatening, humiliating, or other negative encounters.
Nowadays, youth are more liable to cyberbullying. This is because many teenagers and even younger children spend countless hours accessing the internet using their phones, computers, or other digital devices.
A child who has been bullied physically can find refuge at home where they feel their family is watching over them.
Bullying may persist, turn chronic, and even become permanent online, which makes it different from other places.
Because the abuse occurs online, responsible adults who may otherwise be able to intervene and help might miss it.
Adult and child cyberbullying may affect mental health and result in or raise the possibility of:
- Loneliness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Negative Self-Esteem
- Social alienation and Drug abuse
- Dejection
- Mental illness
- Anxiety
Warning Signs of Cyberbullying
The following behavioral alterations, which can be potent signs of cyberbullying, may not be immediately noticeable at first but may become apparent over time.
- A decline in social activity, such as avoiding friends or social gatherings
- Isolation in one’s room more frequently than usual
- Becoming more withdrawn or hushed up
- Having trouble focusing on your academic assignments or at work
- Losing interest in pursuits they once enjoyed
- Falling grades or declining academic performance
- Looking at their phone, tablet, or computer when agitated
- Increased secrecy around online activity
- Using booze or drugs
- Expressing negative feelings or thoughts
- Self-destructive or suicidal thoughts
- Getting upset after using the computer or a mobile device.
- Losing sleep
- Showing signs of anxiety or depression.
Perhaps you may think that some of these signs, such as suicidal thoughts, are excessive, but you should be aware that there is a strong link between bullying and suicide. Bullying may not always be the main cause in some circumstances. Due to family troubles or a history of trauma, the young person may already be experiencing despair or anxiety.
Changes in Behaviour as a result of the Effect of Cyberbullying on Mental Health
Changes in behavior that occur as a result of the effect of cyberbullying on mental health are often more subtle and internal. Sometimes, they may include things like changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or concentration. In some cases, the person may also experience anxiety, depression, or feelings of low self-esteem. Here are some changes in behavior that may occur as a result of the impact of cyberbullying on mental health:
- Increased anxiety or stress
- Depression or feelings of hopelessness
- Low self-esteem or Feelings of worthlessness
- A decrease in motivation or interest in hobbies
- Changes in sleep or eating habits
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Feelings of anger or frustration
- Keeping their computer or phone screen hidden and not using it
Now, bear in mind that these changes in behavior can manifest in more specific ways. For example, someone who is experiencing increased anxiety may have difficulty concentrating or focusing, leading to falling grades. Someone who is depressed may feel tired or lethargic, resulting in changes in sleep or eating habits.
Social withdrawal can manifest as spending more time alone, avoiding friends and family, or avoiding social situations altogether. The victims begin to view themselves negatively, which affects their mental health.
Prevention and the Intervention of Effects of Cyberbullying on Mental Health
There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent and intervene in the effects of cyberbullying on mental health.
It is important to teach young people how to recognize and respond to cyberbullying. This includes knowing how to block and report cyberbullying, as well as knowing where to get help and support. In addition, it’s important to promote positive and healthy online behaviors such as kindness, respect, and empathy.
First off, there are different levels of intervention which include:
Individual level:
- Keep personal information private and secure.
- Avoid engaging with or responding to cyber bullies.
- Take breaks from technology or social media if needed.
- Seek Professional help, such as a therapist or counselor.
- Join support groups and communities.
- Practice self-care and self-compassion.
- Find ways to manage stress and anxiety.
Family level:
- Parents and caregivers should be aware of the risks of cyberbullying. They should have open and honest conversations with their kids about it.
- You should monitor their children’s online activity.
- Set clear rules and boundaries around the use of technology.
- Model positive and healthy online behavior.
School level:
- Raising awareness about cyberbullying and its consequences.
- Encourage open and honest dialogue about cyberbullying.
- Promote digital literacy and responsible online behavior.
What Parents Can Do About Cyberbullying of Teens
Teens are often scared to tell their parents about their cyberbullying experiences for fear of having their online activity curtailed. Here are some things you can do, especially when you notice that your kid is a victim of cyberbullying.
Assurance
Assure your kid that you will not take away their phone or Internet, but that if they come across anything harsh online, be it messages or viewing information that is harassing or upsetting, they should speak with an adult.
Listen
Prepare to listen to and advocate for your teen always. Cyberbullying can swiftly develop, necessitating adult involvement. Take all threats seriously, even if the cyberbully intends to be ‘joking’ because others may not realize it is a joke.
Be calm
Attempt to ignore the bully. Retaliating will only let the bully justify their actions, and people might perceive the victim as someone adding to the issue. If ignoring the bully doesn’t stop them, respond calmly and assertively because fury is a sign of weakness.
Report it immediately
Always report cyberbullying incidents to your child’s school and your Internet service provider. The school Board Code of Conduct addresses cyberbullying. Make sure you retain a record of emails, chat room history, web postings, or phone communications that you can show to your ISP or the authorities.
Build Confidence
Build your child’s confidence by reminding him/her that those words mean nothing and that you value him/her. To show your child what strong self-esteem looks like, value yourself, assertively stand up for yourself, and don’t allow people to degrade you.
Be clear on your stand
Make it clear to your child where you stand on bullying by taking a stern, uncompromising position against it. Recognize that in the online environment, the victim is frequently the bully the next day. Show them how cyberbullying can affect their mental health negatively and the ones of people they bully.
Discuss with your child
Invite your child’s input while you discuss the rules. If your kid disobeys the rules, make them answerable. Take caution while handling self-reported behavior. As stated earlier, Children who fear punishment might not disclose inappropriate behavior. Most of the time, assistance and direction are truly what kids need.
Be Strategic
Last but not least, keep laptops in public areas of the home to make monitoring easier and more natural. Utilize tools or applications created to screen out undesirable or unknown internet users to limit incoming communication.
But keep in mind that screening software is not faultless. Our kids are smart. We can’t just rely on other programs to keep them secure. They require our direction and attention.
The Mental Health of Cyberbullies
According to research on the psychology of traditional bullies, they have more positive attitudes toward aggressive revenge, apathy, or satisfaction while bullying or witnessing others mistreated, and they believe the victim deserves it. Unsurprisingly, these people frequently exhibit a weak or moderate link between their empathy for others and their tendency to bully them.
Cyberbullies’ increased anonymity and wider audience are likely to contribute to their perceptions of power. Possibly, the lack of a prompt reaction to their behavior leads to even more severe bullying. Many cyberbullies also engage in traditional bullying, and in the absence of face-to-face interactions and prompt retaliation against their aggressiveness, their lack of empathy is likely to be amplified.
Evidence demonstrates that cyberbullying’s persistent and pervasive nature typically causes worse consequences for victims than regular bullying, notably depressive symptoms. Given this association, it is said that cyberbullying may affect the perpetrator’s mental health differently than regular bullying does.
Students who engage in cyberbullying have higher rates of stress, depression, and anxiety than students who do not. According to Ybarra and Mitchell (2004), among those who cyberbullied, 39% dropped out of school, 37% displayed delinquent behavior, 32% regularly used drugs, and 16% had severe depression. Despite the fact that the two categories frequently substantially overlap, some research implies that cyberbullies have depression rates that are lower than those of traditional bullies.
What Are the Legal Ramifications of Cyberbullying
The punishments for cyberbullying vary greatly from state to state due to the vast differences in the laws because of how it may affect mental health. Cyberbullying punishments can range from civil sanctions like suspension or expulsion from school to jail time for serious offenses, depending on the state and its cyberbullying legislation.
Sharing a person’s private or sexually explicit photos or videos without their permission is illegal and a form of cyberbullying. This law is in place to preserve privacy and is applicable to everyone, not only those who are under the age of 18. Judges have the power to order that those pictures be taken down from the internet.
For example, cyberbullying rules in Florida require schools to sanction kids by suspending or expelling them. Meanwhile, cyberbullies in Missouri who make violent threats over social media or other technological means may face criminal charges.
Furthermore, there are unavoidable repercussions for cyberbullying. For instance, those who engage in cyberbullying may end up in court, lose their jobs, or even end up in jail. Furthermore, both children and adults must understand that what is placed online remains online. Even if anything is removed, a screenshot of it may have been captured. As a result, erasing something does not mean it disappears. Furthermore, courts have previously declared that there is no such thing as internet privacy.
Anyone found guilty of cyberbullying could be subject to harsh legal repercussions. For instance:
- They risk receiving a one to five-year prison sentence.
- The person’s computer, phone, or other sharing tool might be taken away.
- The defendant can be made to reimburse the victim for the expenses used in removing the private photograph from the internet or other places.
Conclusion
Evidence has shown that Cyberbullying can affect a person’s mental health negatively. Anxiety, social isolation, and increased psychological stress can result from cyberbullying, and these effects can get worse with continued abuse.
Think about having a conversation with your kids about the dangers of cyberbullying. Additionally, learn how to identify, report, and prevent it from happening again.
Resilience can be taught by assisting your children in navigating the more challenging parts of being online, such as cyberbullying. Additionally, your kid would feel more at ease interacting with classmates both offline and online.
Social media should be a place where young people can socialize and have fun with their pals.
