2024-08-24 16:16:00
In the digital age, children are increasingly connected, exploring the vast possibilities offered by social networks. These platforms do not only provide them with information and a space to express themselves, but they also play a crucial role in their personal development. However, behind this seemingly fun and educational virtual world, there are real dangers to young people’s mental health.
Cyberbullying, in particular, has become an insidious threat that can lead to dramatic consequences, ranging from anxiety to acts as serious as self-harm or suicide. This article explores the different forms of cyberbullying, its effects on children, and offers solutions to deal with this scourge without sacrificing the benefits of the Internet.
The Invisible Impact: How Cyberbullying Affects Youth Mental Health
Many children are widely and constantly victims of cyberbullying behind computer and smartphone screens, which leaves them with great suffering and after-effects that could push them to self-harm or end their lives, according to UNICEF.
Understanding Cyberbullying: From Repeated Behaviors to Devastating Consequences
According to UNICEF, cyberbullying is a form of harassment that uses digital technologies, and can occur on social media, messaging platforms, online gaming platforms, and mobile phones.
Cyberbullying is typically repeated behavior intended to intimidate, annoy, or defame the targeted individuals. Examples of this type of harassment include:
The Different Forms of Cyberbullying: From Defamation to Threats
Spreading lies or posting embarrassing photos of a person on social media
Sending harmful, offensive or threatening messages, images or videos via messaging platforms
Impersonating someone to send malicious messages to other people in their name or through fake accounts.
The Long-Term Consequences: When Online Harassment Leads to Despair
When a child is a victim of cyberbullying, he or she may face serious mental, physical and psychological health crises, which in some cases can lead to suicide.
When bullying occurs online, it feels like you are being attacked everywhere, even in your own home, and there is no way to escape it. The effects can last a long time and affect the person in a variety of ways, including:
Mental effects :
Feeling uncomfortable, ashamed, or stupid, or even angry
Emotional effects :
Feelings of shame or loss of interest in things you enjoy
Physical effects :
Fatigue (insomnia) or symptoms such as stomach aches and headaches
Despair and suicide :
When someone feels like they are being made fun of or bullied, it can make it harder for them to stand up for themselves or try to resolve the problem. In extreme cases, cyberbullying can lead some people to commit suicide.
Overcoming Cyberbullying: Strategies to Protect Our Children
Cyberbullying can affect us in many ways, but it is possible to overcome these effects and victims can regain their health and self-confidence.
If you are experiencing cyberbullying, one of the first important steps you can take is to talk to an adult you trust, with whom you feel safe to discuss it, in the following ways:
Choose a time to talk when you know you will have his or her full attention.
Explain how serious the problem is to you.
He may not have an immediate answer for you, but he probably wants to help. It is always better to consult with others than to seek a solution alone.
Coping with Cyberbullying Without Giving Up on Digital: Solutions at Hand
Some kids, and even parents, may think that the solution to cyberbullying is to delete their personal accounts or give up apps, but deleting certain apps or temporarily stopping internet use to allow you to recover from what you’ve experienced is not a long-term solution, and it could send the wrong message to bullies or even encourage their unacceptable behavior.
The solution is therefore always to report the harassers’ accounts to have them deleted and hold those responsible accountable.
1724649550
#Invisible #Threats #Childrens #Mental #Health
