Understanding cyberbullying and how to protect yourself from it

Learning Outcomes:

Understand what cyberbullying is

Know how to identify cyberbullying

Know how to protect yourself from cyberbullies

Know the social implications of cyberbullying

Understand the social implications of cyberbullying

How To Identify Cyberbullying

Sometimes people like to tease others on social media, it's not always malicious and dangerous. Teasing becomes bullying when someone constantly makes fun, mistreats and harasses another. It's important to know when you're being bullied and never assume that you are overthinking.  Any form of bullying can lead to both physical and psychological harm in children. Victims might face anxiety, fear, depression, low self-worth, behavioral problems, and difficulties in school. If you suspect that you're being bullied, the first thing you have to do is tell to someone you trust. If you suspect that someone else is being bullied, the best thing to do is observe until you are certain. 

Here are some of the signs you can look for: 

-Personality changes (anger, sadness, anxiety, withdrawing from favorite activities)

-Deterioration in physical health

-Enhanced negative self-perception

-Lack of focus and excessive sleepiness

-A decline in academic performance

Cyberbullying can take place in many forms, some ways are listed below.

Effects of cyberbullying

Cyberbullying has an effect on both the bully and the victim. They may experience mental, emotional, physical and psychological problems. The mental effects could lead to the victim being unable to concentrate in class, not wanting to go to school and receive lower grades than usual. The mental effects include anxiety, loss of concentration, self harm and suicidal thoughts. The emotional effects include trouble froming relationships with other people and being too afraid to trust anyone. This could lead to loneliness and isolation, causing depression, guilt, shame and embarassment. Physical effects include headaches, stomach aches and sleeping problems. Lastly, psychological effects include a lot of negative emotions such as sadness, anger and fear. This could also lead to the victim having low self-esteem and harmful habits (substance use and abuse).

Click on the icon below to access a youtube video on the effects of cyberbullying.