Cyberbullying refers to the intentional and continuous harassment or mistreatment of a person through electronic devices or communication platforms, such as social media. Although it mainly affects children and teenagers, many people dismiss it as part of growing up. However, cyberbullying can have severe mental, emotional, and psychological consequences if left unaddressed.
Effects and Consequences of Cyberbullying
Self-Esteem Issues Due to Mockery:
Studies have shown many negative effects of cyberbullying, some of which can lead to serious mental health issues. Individuals who experience cyberbullying are twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts or engage in self-harm compared to those who do not experience it.
Other Negative Health Consequences:
Other health issues related to cyberbullying include:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems
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Sleep disorders
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Academic difficulties
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Violent behaviors
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High levels of stress
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A sense of insecurity
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Feelings of loneliness and isolation
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Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
If you are a victim of cyberbullying, dealing with it can feel overwhelming. You may feel there is nowhere to turn for help. However, there are steps you can take to cope with cyberbullying.
Advice for Young People:
The best advice if you are facing cyberbullying is to confide in a trusted adult. It may be difficult to start the conversation because you might feel embarrassed or ashamed, but if the situation isn't addressed, it will likely get worse.
Here are other ways to deal with cyberbullying:
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Avoiding the Bullies: Avoiding online bullies involves ignoring them, stepping away from your computer or phone, and finding activities that can distract you from the bullying.
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Don't Retaliate: You may want to defend yourself, but engaging with the bullies can escalate the situation.
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Keep Evidence: Save copies of any bullying content, whether it's posts, texts, or emails, so you can use them if the situation escalates and you need to report it.
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Report the Incident: Social media platforms take harassment seriously, and reporting the issue to site administrators can lead to the bully being banned from the platform.
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Block the Bully: You can block the person bullying you from contacting you on social media or through text messages.
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Seek Therapy: In some cases, seeking professional therapy can help manage the emotional and psychological effects of cyberbullying.
Psychologist’s Perspective on Cyberbullying:
Psychologist Joelle Zaiter shares her perspective on cyberbullying. According to statistics, 34% of children experience online harassment. Cyberbullying has become a serious societal issue that directly impacts the mental, social, and behavioral health of victims. Bullies use platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, Facebook, and emails to embarrass or harm their targets.
Types of Cyberbullying:
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Verbal Bullying: Abusive comments aimed at mocking or ridiculing the victim.
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Defamation: Spreading false rumors or disclosing personal information.
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Image and Video Bullying: Sharing images or videos without consent.
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Blackmail: Sharing sensitive information to intimidate or extort.
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Identity Theft: Impersonating someone on social media to harass them.
Psychological and Social Effects of Cyberbullying:
Psychological Effects:
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Anxiety and depression
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Increased feelings of isolation and tension
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Fear and apprehension about being constantly watched
Emotional Effects:
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Feelings of fear, sadness, and loss of control
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Lack of mental clarity and stability, feeling unsafe
Social Effects:
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Fear of facing society and difficulties in emotional and family relationships
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Trouble focusing in school or university
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Health issues like eating disorders and sleep disturbances
Difference Between Male and Female Responses to Cyberbullying:
Both genders are affected by cyberbullying, but females are more likely to experience its psychological effects, such as isolation and avoidance of social life. Males, on the other hand, may respond with aggressive and violent behaviors.
Why is Cyberbullying More Dangerous than Regular Bullying?
Cyberbullying is more harmful because it is ongoing and can spread quickly through social media from an anonymous source, making it harder to address and resolve.
How to Deal with Cyberbullying?
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Ignore the Bullies: It's better to ignore them than to respond.
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Save Evidence: Keep a record of all the bullying content in case you need to report it.
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Consult a Specialist: Seek help from a professional to manage the effects of cyberbullying, or reach out to supportive family members.
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Monitor Children: Parents should monitor their children's online activity without invading their privacy and create an open and safe environment for conversation and trust-building.
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Awareness Programs in Schools: Schools should organize awareness sessions with psychological consultants to educate students about cyberbullying.
By addressing these issues head-on, we can work toward reducing the prevalence of cyberbullying and its harmful effects.
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