What are the aftermaths of cyberbullying on children? How can you stop its occurrence, and how to mitigate its effects on their mental health?

While social media rules almost every part of our lives nowadays, it’s no surprise the extent of cyberbullying our children face. The online world is a vast space where any stranger can express their opinion without thinking about the consequences of their words. The power of being anonymous has given many individuals the fake power of controlling others’ feelings, actions, and entire life.

This has taken a toll on your children, who are more exposed to these views and harmful comments, yet lack the tools to process that. A study shows that 8 out of 10 teenagers are at risk of getting cyberbullied. This could cause a massive breakdown in our children’s mental health and wellbeing.

So how can you identify cyberbullying, and how to avoid it?

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is the act of attacking other individuals online, mainly via social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and others. 

The earned power by these people is being used massively as they have the ability to dehumanize others without having to hurt them face to face.

Cyberbullying can take several forms, and these include:

• Sending, sharing, or posting malicious content
• Threatening others or embarrassing them online
• Catfishing through creating fake profiles and sharing sensitive information
• Harassing others 
• Verbally violating others and degrading them
• Leaving insensitive comments 

Adolescents and children who suffer from cyberbullying are more likely to develop adverse mental conditions, so what are the effects of cyberbullying?

Effects of cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is linked with several negative impacts on children’s lives, and implies similar effects as emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. These effects include:

• Low self-esteem
• Skipping school
• Isolation
• Losing interest in daily activities
• Drop in the child’s grades
• Increased signs of anger
• Excessive use/Avoidance of their phones or laptops
• Suicide risks
• Increased stress
• Insomnia
• Harmful eating patterns
• Depression signs
• Social withdrawal

Studies have shown that 20% of people who suffer from cyberbullying have shown depression, anger, and dissociation signs. As a parent, you are responsible for helping your children through their struggles, so what can you do?

How to deal with cyberbullying?

There are several steps that you can take to overcome cyberbullying, and these include:

Avoid retaliating

Having an outrageous reaction will make your child feel bad for telling and could create a fear of communication in the future. Moreover, it could give the bully their wanted attention and response. Make sure you have a mature response to cyberbullying and stay as calm as possible.

Report the abuser 

Most social media apps have features of blocking or reporting users for abusive content, harmful comments, or harassment. Make sure of these tools as a first step to protect your child from bullies. However, if cyberbullying includes explicit threats, make sure to gather evidence and report the account to the representative authorities.

Support your child

Create a safe space for your child to express their fears and occurrences. The aftermath of cyberbullying can be harmful, which is why you should observe your child’s behavior and emotional responses. Show your child your full support and consider therapy once needed.

Cyberbullying can drive a deep mental crisis in your child, make sure you deal with this problem before it causes more harm.