Young people are more connected than ever. Social networking sites, text messaging and other online platforms make it easy to stay in touch, but also increase the chances of cyberbullying. However, understanding the effects of cyberbullying can help you get your child the guidance and treatment they may need.
If your child faces harassment online, the effects of cyberbullying can be serious and long-lasting. From mental health struggles to physical effects, the damage caused by online bullying is real and significant.
If you believe your child is experiencing cyberbullying, advocating for them to end it is just the first step. Help your child deal with the effects of cyberbullying by making an appointment with a mental health professional. If you don’t know where to start, reach out to your child’s pediatrician.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying occurs when someone uses digital technology to threaten, embarrass or harm another person. This can happen through text messaging, social media, emails or online games.
Effects of cyberbullying
Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can happen 24/7, making it harder for victims of cyberbullying to escape. A single mean message can quickly spread to a large audience, worsening the damage.
Mental health effects of cyberbullying
One of the most concerning effects of cyberbullying is its impact on mental health. Kids who have experienced cyberbullying often suffer from anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.
The constant fear of someone targeting them again can make them feel unsafe in both online and offline spaces. Some may even develop suicidal ideation, feeling like there is no escape from the harassment they face.
Many victims of cyberbullying struggle to divulge their experiences. They may feel ashamed or worry that telling a parent, guardian or teacher will worsen things.
Unfortunately, keeping these feelings bottled up or hidden can lead to more serious mental health concerns. This can make it even more important to recognize and flag the signs of cyberbullying early on.
Physical effects of cyberbullying
While cyberbullying takes place online, its effects can be felt physically as well. Victims of cyberbullying often experience headaches, stomach aches and trouble sleeping. The stress and anxiety caused by online bullying can also weaken their immune system and make them more likely to get sick.
Sadly, some young people may even resort to self-harm as a way to cope with the emotional pain. Others may develop unhealthy eating habits, either overeating because of stress or losing their appetite altogether.
Other signs of cyberbullying to spot
Another way cyberbullying affects kids is through their school performance. Many students who are harassed online struggle to concentrate in class. This can lead to lower grades and less participation in school activities. They may skip school to avoid seeing classmates who have bullied them or who know about the bullying.
In addition to academic struggles, cyberbullying can damage friendships and social connections. Kids who are targeted may isolate themselves to avoid further embarrassment or pain. Some may even delete their social media accounts or stop using their phones altogether to escape the negative messages.
This isolation can make the impacts of cyberbullying even worse because it removes the support systems that kids need to recover.
Alternatively, some kids who are bullied can become bullies themselves. They may react to their experience by modeling that behavior. Children who exhibit this behavior are often using it as a coping mechanism for the pain they felt when they were subject to it.
Carson Felkel, MD, MBA, FAPA, system medical director for behavioral health, says this is a learning opportunity for parents to reinforce positive behavior.
“Kids who are bullies often have been bullied,” Dr. Felkel says. “They’re probably looking for some type of control in their life, and they’re looking for a response from another kid. So, because we know that they might have been bullied, some of the behaviors may be the same.”
How caregivers can help
If you’re a parent or guardian, it’s important to be aware of the signs that a child is experiencing cyberbullying. If your child seems anxious when receiving messages, avoids social media or has sudden mood changes, they may be struggling with online bullying.
“Children can typically become irritable, withdrawn or depressed. You can see school performance drop, or they may be more anxious to go to social places, including school,” Dr. Felkel says.
Here are some ways parents can help a child experiencing cyberbullying:
- Encourage open communication and listen without judgment
- Reassure them that they are not to blame for being bullied
- Help them document and save evidence of cyberbullying (screenshots, messages, etc.)
- Teach them how to block and report abusive users on social networking sites
- Monitor their online activity while respecting their privacy
- Encourage positive online interactions and discuss digital citizenship
- Work with school officials or authorities if necessary
- Seek support from a mental health professional if your child is struggling emotionally
What to do about cyberbullying
Talk openly with your child about their online experiences and encourage them to come to you if they feel unsafe. Let them know that they are not alone and that there are ways to address the problem.
“When kids encounter something negative online, they probably feel guilty or shameful,” Dr. Felkel says. “And they may not want to share it with their parents.”
Sometimes, reporting the behavior to the platform or involving school officials may be necessary. You can also suggest they step back from using social media for some time.
“It’s essential to set firm limits and consistent rules while remaining calm,” Dr. Felkel says. “Kids want to know what other people are saying about them. So, if there is an incident, the parent could suggest the kid take a break from reviewing comments.”
By offering your support, children will know your help is available, so they don’t feel helpless to solve this online problem alone.
How we can help
Cyberbullying doesn’t just affect a child’s emotions – it can take a serious toll on their overall well-being. Health care professionals play a key role in identifying and treating the effects of cyberbullying. Mental health professionals can provide therapy to help kids cope with anxiety and depression, while pediatricians can address any physical symptoms caused by stress.
If your child has been harassed online and is showing signs of emotional distress, seeking professional help can make a big difference. Therapists, counselors and doctors can work together to provide the support your child needs to heal.
Talk to your child’s pediatrician if you’re unsure where to start. They can provide guidance on next steps and refer you to a mental health professional. You can also make an appointment directly with a therapist, counselor or other mental health provider.
Learn about the behavioral and mental health services we offer at Bon Secours.
