What Are the Effects of Cyberbullying?

The majority of children and teenagers report experiencing cyberbullying at least once in their lives. While it is impossible to control everything that happens on the Internet, unrelenting social and emotional attacks need a swift response to make them stop or get away from them. As a parent or guardian, you must learn about the serious effects of cyberbullying on young people so you can help them avoid it and recover after it happens.

Emotional and Mental Fallout From Cyberbullying

Repeated attacks on someone's person, mental state, social standing, or mood can affect them not only at the immediate time but also cause long-term problems that are not solved so easily. Kids and teens who experience cyberbullying may become isolated, withdrawn, and socially anxious. They can exhibit signs of general anxiety and depression. In extreme cases, self-harm and suicidal thoughts may occur.

Students who experience harassment, humiliation, and social exclusion online may do anything they can to keep from going to school and getting bullied more in person. They may feel that there is no safe place for them because cyberbullies can follow them anywhere on the World Wide Web.

Besides becoming withdrawn, some people who are cyberbullied experience an increase in anger and aggressive behavior. This is a result of the feeling of helplessness that comes with constant attacks and harassment. In fact, many people who go on to become bullies do so because of bullying themselves. The bully-victim cycle is difficult to escape because it is constantly fueled by new cyber-attacks on social media and other group websites.

Possible Physical and Lifestyle Changes

With so many emotional and mental effects of cyberbullying, it is no wonder that some children and teens also experience physical manifestations of their feelings or changes in their lifestyle. This could include everything from frequent stomachaches and headaches to eating disorders and insomnia. Drinking, drug use, and even dietary changes can occur. These signs of cyberbullying are, obviously, more prevalent with teenagers who may have access to illicit substances.

Parents who notice gradual or abrupt changes in academic performance, interest in extracurricular activities, and changed attitude toward their child’s phone or computer should consider cyberbullying as a factor. Even subtle changes may signify that something is wrong. Your son or daughter may stop using a favorite toy, watching a loved show, or wearing a particular outfit. Changing the way they look may be an attempt to shield themselves from harassment.

Cyberbullying is an insidious problem that occurs far too often on the Internet these days. Young boys and girls and teenagers experience online attacks that affect their social lives, emotional state, access to entertainment, and academic opportunities. The effects of cyberbullying can cause immediate problems and ones that will last for many years to come. Once you understand how to recognize it, you can help be part of the solution so these horrible things do not happen so frequently.