Why Has the Pandemic Caused More Cyberbullying?

The Covid-19 pandemic has created unique and widespread educational changes that are affecting a whole generation of students. While distance learning and online classrooms seek to maintain and improve academic standards, the social distancing, isolation, and overall stress levels contribute to cyberbullying in some very real and disturbing ways.

One of the reasons for an increase in cyberbullying is the lack of direct access for bullies to their victims. The simple fact that fewer kids are going to school, the park, and other locations means that people who want to harm them have to go online these days. The answer to the titular question is much more complex than accessibility, however.

These three reasons point to cyberbullying increasing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

#1 – Personal Isolation

Even the most introverted individual benefits from human contact. For students who are used to going to school every day, attending classes with their peers, and engaging in extracurricular activities, the isolation enforced by the pandemic is especially troublesome. It causes excess stress and stagnates social learning because the individual is not constantly surrounded by supportive peers in the face of bullies or negative attention.

#2 – Increased Online Focus

Without other activities or experiences to distract them, kids are spending more time socializing and playing on the Internet. This happens on social media sites, chat platforms, and in online games. These are all very easy access points for cyberbullies who want to make a big, negative impression. Unlike non-pandemic times, young people do not have anywhere to escape to. All their friends are online and they get validation there.

#3 – Lack of Outside Oversight or Support

There is a huge difference between a teacher leading an online class versus heading a class in person with students for eight straight hours. Distance learning takes away access to support, mentoring, and some student counseling opportunities. Children and adolescents may not know who they can complain to about cyberbullying or how to get help with this serious problem.

Ultimately, cyberbullying exists and grows because some individuals choose negative behaviors instead of positive ones when interacting with their peers. The reasons for bullying are many and complicated. However, the victims need protection more than a clinical understanding of modern interpersonal relationship conflict.

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect the entire educational and social reality for kids around the world, cyberbullying may unfortunately grow. Increased access and online usage, higher degrees of stress and powerlessness, and lack of access to support might leave many students feeling more alone and victimized than ever before.