Effects of Cyberbullying: What Parents and Teenagers Need to Know
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Cyberbullying is the use of electronic communication to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone. This can include sending mean texts or emails, posting hurtful messages on social media sites, or spreading rumors online. Cyberbullying can be very harmful and can lead to depression, anxiety, and in some cases, even suicide.
Cyberbullying, while often associated with cyberstalking, is a very serious issue on its own and one that has been increasing in prevalence over the past few years. Cyberbullying can have devastating effects on those who are targeted and those who witness it happening to someone else.
Statistics show that cyberbullying happens more often among teenagers than adults. So, let’s look at the numbers:
- In fact, a study by Pew Research Center found that 59% of teenagers who use the internet have experienced some form of cyberbullying, compared to only 33% of adults.
- The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) found that over 15.7% of high school students had been bullied electronically in the previous year.
- Over 37% of children have experienced cyberbullying. Around 30% have been targeted more than once.
- Almost 34% of all kids in the US have been cyberbullied at least once, while 68% of kids who have been harassed online have mental health issues.
The effects of cyberbullying can be devastating for the victims. They may experience various negative emotions, such as sadness, anger, frustration, and humiliation. They may also feel isolated and alone, as if they have no one to turn to. The victims may also suffer academically, as they may be too embarrassed to go to school or participate in class. In some cases, the victims may even consider suicide.
Cyberbullying can also have adverse effects on those who witness it happening to someone else. They may feel scared, helpless, and sad. They may also have trouble sleeping and eating and may even develop anxiety and depression.
Cyberbullying Is Common on Social Media
Social media sites are very public, so the messages can be seen by many people very quickly. Additionally, social media sites allow people to share their thoughts and feelings anonymously, making it easier to be mean or hurtful.
According to a Cyberbullying Research Center study, 73% of teenagers who have been cyberbullied have experienced it on social media. The most common sites for cyberbullying are Facebook, followed by Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.
Cyberbullying Among Teens
Cyberbullying is becoming increasingly common among teenagers. The Pew Research Center study mentioned earlier found that the percentage of teenagers who have experienced cyberbullying has increased from 41% in 2012 to 59% in 2015. This may be because more and more teenagers are using smartphones and social media sites, and these sites are becoming more popular among this age group.
The Cyberbullying Research Center also found that teenagers who experience cyberbullying are more likely to experience other forms of bullying, such as face-to-face bullying and online harassment. They are also more likely to have mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
Other Online Social Networking Sites Where Cyberbullying Happens
Besides social media sites, the various types of cyberbullying also take place on different online networking sites. These include:
- Texting and messaging apps. The most common app for cyberbullying is text messaging. About half of all teenagers cyberbullied were harassed through text messages.
- Messaging online, including Instant messaging and direct messaging. Instant messaging (IM) and direct messaging (DM) are popular ways to cyberbully someone. These apps allow people to send messages quickly and privately, making it easier to cyberbully someone privately.
- Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards. Forums, chat rooms, and message boards are places where people can talk to each other online. They can be used for positive purposes, such as discussing a topic or sharing ideas. However, they’re also used for negative purposes, such as cyberbullying.
- Email. Email is another way that people can cyberbully each other.
- Online gaming spaces. Many teenagers enjoy playing online games. However, these games can also be used to cyberbully someone. The person who is being bullied may be harassed or threatened while they’re playing the game. Additionally, their personal information may be shared without their consent. This can lead to them being harassed offline as well.
Psychological Effects of Cyberbullying
The psychological effects of cyberbullying can be just as damaging as the physical effects. Victims of cyberbullying may experience a range of negative emotions, such as sadness, anger, fear, and embarrassment. They may also feel isolated and alone.
As you can see, cyberbullying can have a lot of negative effects on teenagers. The victims may experience physical and psychological problems, and the bullies may also suffer from these problems.
The physical effects of cyberbullying include headaches, stomach aches, and sleeping problems. The psychological effects include anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
Cyberbullying can also have a negative impact on the victim’s schoolwork. Victims may have trouble concentrating in class and may not want to go to school. They may also receive lower grades than they usually would.
Victims of cyberbullying may also have trouble forming relationships with other people. They may be afraid to trust anyone and may not want to socialize with others. This can lead to them feeling lonely and isolated.
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