Cyberbullying of Young Minds:
A Joke to One is a Choke on Another
by Nicole Castillo
by Nicole Castillo
With the advances in technology, the platforms to share what we want and show what we want have improved and varied. Examples of these platforms are Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Reddit. Social media’s main goal is for socializing and having a good time, hence the word “social” in the name. But these spaces have been abused and used for malicious acts such as cyberbullying, especially when it comes to the youth. It has multiple effects on children and may damage their lives, which is why it's important for people to know their effects so that they have an incentive to stop others.
It can have emotional effects since social media is accessible to anyone, they can see and post the cyberbullying. These effects encompass humiliation, isolation, anger and powerlessness.
Cyberbullying can change how people see the world leading them to fall into depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, academic issues, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm
Cyberbullying victims can also experience similar behavioral changes as those who are bullied normally such as a loss of interest in activities and engage in secretive behavior.
Cyberbullying can cause emotional, mental, and behavioral effects to children. Imagining yourself in these situations, undergoing these effects is troubling in itself, so protecting others from these would go a long way. I hope these effects show you why it’s important to take action on this before these situations worsen.