Cyberbullying is a form of emotional bullying that takes place entirely online and/or through devices such as phones, computers, and gaming consoles. It is typically meant to humiliate, embarrass, or discourage others by sharing personal or private information, or by degrading another person. Cyberbullying is considered to be unlawful and/or criminal in some states and in some instances; however, cyberbullying is still a major problem.
Oftentimes, cyberbullying happens privately through text messages, messaging apps, or email, but many times it plays out on a more public platform such as social media where there is maximum fallout.
Emotional effects
What are signs of cyberbullying to look for? Many are related to emotional or mental health and wellbeing. They can appear as the following.
Humiliation
Some of the worst cases of cyberbullying involve sharing information publicly about the victim. This info can be embarrassing, even if it isn’t true. Because the internet is considered a permanent record with search engines and web histories being stored for many years, the victim may experience humiliation and anxiety over the fact that embarrassing information can haunt them forever. The effect it may have on their future jobs, educational opportunities, and relationships, whether real or perceived, is significant.
Isolation
While cyberbullying is widespread, it nonetheless leaves the victim feeling like they are alone in the situation. Victims may find their social opportunities reduced and in-person interactions awkward and painful. Often, the only way for victims to avoid bullies online is to stay away from the social networks that include their friends and family. This can increase the feelings of isolation.
Anger
Would you get mad if cyberbullying happened to you? According to cyberbullying statistics, it’s one of the most frequent responses to cyberbullying. While it’s normal to be upset, prolonged and unresolved anger can lead to threats and acting out against the bullies, loved ones, or innocent members of the community.
Powerlessness
Information spreads so quickly online that parents and authorities may struggle to contain the harm of cyberbullying. Shutting down accounts can happen only so fast, if it happens at all. Cyberbullies may come back again on different platforms with new user names. This all leads to the victim feeling like any resolution to the matter may be futile.
Mental effects
The victim’s state of mind may also be harmed with several notable effects.
Depression and anxiety
While a victim of cyberbullying may already be dealing with signs of depression and anxiety, even those who have never dealt with these conditions may find themselves struggling to cope. They might worry that things will never get better, or that it’s not worth trying to stay strong, which can make it hard for victims to manage cyberbullying.
Low self-esteem
It makes sense that someone mistreated through cyberbullying may cause it to shape the way they feel about themselves. Whether they believe some of the things being said about them or they simply don’t think they are valuable enough to get help, low self-esteem can further compound the issues of cyberbullying.
Academic issues
Cyberbullying commonly happens among peers within a school environment, making it hard for students to excel in their academics. But bullying doesn’t always have to come from a school environment to affect grades. The stress and worry that come from cyberbullying can interfere with studying and focusing on education.
Suicidal thoughts and self-harm
Cutting or other self-harm behaviors can manifest in kids who have never considered it before. In the worst-case scenario, a cyberbullying victim may feel that the only way to end the situation is to take their life. If you suspect that this is happening with a cyberbullying victim, act immediately to get them to safety and enlist the help of a professional.
Behavioral effects
What happens when cyberbullying goes on so long that the victim feels they need to take action to find a resolution? Whether a victim chooses to self-soothe or seek revenge, these are serious and possible outcomes:
Using drugs and alcohol
Bullying victims are more likely to use illegal and illicit drugs than their peers. Substance abuse, including binge drinking, is 2.5 times more common in victims than those who are not cyberbullied.
Skipping school
Kids may find it easier to skip school altogether instead of confronting their bullies or judgment from their peers. Truancy can be an attempt to avoid bullying peers and embarrassment. Once kids stop attending class, grade issues naturally worsen, making the cycle harder to break.
Carrying a weapon
School safety is a severe concern of communities today. The stats show that cyberbullying victims are eight times more likely to bring a weapon to school, including handguns and knives. This creates an unsafe situation for the victim and those attending the school — including staff and volunteers.
Risky sexual behavior
Whether cyberbullying is sexual or not, risky sexual activity is another way some victims deal with pain, embarrassment, or stress. It should be noted that drug and alcohol abuse is also tied to this; it may be common to find kids acting out in situations where both behaviors are present.
Physical effects
A victim of cyberbullying may experience physical problems, such as certain changes in their body.
Gastrointestinal issues
Complaints of a stomach ache may signal an anxiety disorder, digestive problem, or even an ulcer. While an occasional upset stomach may not be a reason for concern, watch for frequent diarrhea, vomiting, or complaints of cramping and pain.
Disordered eating
There are a few reasons a victim may choose to engage in anorexic or bulimic eating patterns. For one, it’s a way for them to feel in control while so many aspects of cyberbullying are out of control. Fad dieting or dangerous weight loss efforts could be a response to bullying around weight or looks. Take disordered eating seriously.
Sleep disturbances
Sleeping too much or too little could result from the strain caused on the body by bullying. Nightmares, night terrors, sleepwalking, and other abnormal sleeping episodes may be a signal to look into how online relationships affect a potential victim’s sleeping habits.
Cyberbullying is a very serious issue affecting not just the young victims, but also the victims' families, the bully, and those who witness instances of cyberbullying. However, the effect of cyberbullying can be most detrimental to the victim, of course, as they may experience a number of emotional issues that affect their social and academic performance as well as their overall mental health.
The changes might not be readily apparent at first, but as time goes on, you may notice one or more of the following behavioral changes that can be strong indicators of cyberbullying.
If you think that some of these behavioral changes seem a bit extreme, such as thoughts of suicide, you should know that the relationship between bullying and suicide is a strong one. In some cases, bullying alone may not always be the sole cause. The child may already be experiencing feelings of depression or anxiety due to problems at home or a previous history of trauma.
How to protect yourself:
How to join the wider fight to prevent cyberbullying:
This guide was created by: Lovely Mae Paderugao
This guide is by a Library & Information Science Student for their Information Literacy subject.