Cyberbullying has become a hot topic with the advancements in the digital world. These advancements have led to different online risks and dangers. However, there is always a thing that comes to mind “WHY”, behind every crime there is always a reason. So for parents it is needed to know the causes of Cyberbullying.
What are the Causes of Cyberbullying?
Like other crimes cyberbullying is also a crime for various reasons. Here are some major reasons of cyberbullying;
Revenge
People take revenge from others to satisfy themselves. They might have been through some bullying when they were young and then they take revenge from others so that they face the same problem.
No Feeling Empathy
Cyberbullies are unable to observe the suffering they create and thus are unable to understand how much pain they bring their victims.
In fact, several cyberbullies who were later arrested and questioned acknowledged that their conduct made them feel delightful and powerful.
Prejudice (Racism, sexism, and homophobia)
Unfortunately, hatred for specific groups of people is one of the most common real reasons for cyberbullying. Cyberbullying content frequently includes instances of racism, sexism, or homophobia.
Bullies may attack someone solely on the basis of an immutable component of their identity, or they may utilize the victim’s identity as cannon fodder.
The cyberbullying actress Kelly Marie Tran suffered after the release of Star Wars
The Last Jedi in 2017 is a prime example of this. Thousands of people blamed Kelly Marie Tran’s portrayal for the film’s negative reception.
She received a barrage of internet comments and posts criticizing her for her gender, race, and attractiveness.
Tran eventually deleted all of her Instagram postings and left social media as a result of the widespread harassment she experienced.
Such incidents are all too common. Of course, the average person is unlikely to be subjected to the degree of cyberbullying that an actor or prominent figure is.
The impact of cyberbullying motivated by racism, misogyny, or homophobia, on the other hand, is no less devastating. It targets persons who are already marginalized due to characteristics over which they have little control.
Anonymity on the Internet
Because people can hide behind anonymous usernames, the Internet is a popular tool for bullying. As a result, many cyberbullies feel empowered to say and do things they would never do in person.
This issue is frequently exacerbated by the widespread belief that internet content might vanish.
A college student, for example, may take an embarrassing photo of someone he dislikes during a party and publish it on Snapchat.
Even though his pals know he submitted the photo, he believes it doesn’t matter because Snapchat posts “disappear” after 24 hours.
Anyone, however, could snap screenshots of these “temporary” posts and continue to share them.
Mental Health Issues
Cyberbullies might be suffering from mental issues. Their frustration, anger and pain can sometimes be the cause of cyberbullying others. Their low self esteem makes them harass others online to satisfy themselves.
As cyberbullying has causes so it has effects as well which is essential to know by parents.
Effects of Cyberbullying
Physical Health Issues
The physical consequences of cyberbullying can be seen in a person’s health. Among these effects are the following:
- Headaches
- Aches and pains in the stomach
- Sleeping difficulties
The Emotional Consequences of Cyberbullying
Victims of cyberbullying may also struggle to form relationships with others. They may be afraid to trust others and may avoid social situations.As a consequence of this, they may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. Cyberbullying causes the following emotional issues;
- Depression
- Shame
- Embarrassment
Psychological Consequences
The psychological consequences of cyberbullying can be just as harmful as the physical consequences. Cyberbullying victims may experience a variety of negative emotions, including sadness, anger, fear, and embarrassment. They may also feel lonely and isolated.
- Low Self-Esteem
- Anxiety
- Stress
Effects on Academics
Cyberbullying causes stress which further leads to the decline in studies performance. Kids lose concentration on their studies and get involved in fighting with the sadness of cyberbullying. The consequences are;
- Poor Grades
- Failure in the concentration
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
The stress due to cyberbullying can result in symptoms that are similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even after the cyberbullying has stopped, victims may continue to have
- Traumatic memories
- Recurring nightmares
- Prolonged mental discomfort
Anxiety and Suicidal Attacks
Cyberbullying causes anxiety and then it leads to suicidal thoughts as kids feel ashamed of sharing. According to studies
- Cyberbullying victimization is connected with an increased risk of depression. It then leads to an increased risk of having thoughts about suicide among young people and teens.
- There has been an uptick in the number of people who are victims of cyberbullying, which is especially prevalent among females, and it continues to have a negative impact on mental health.
- Significant triggers for depression and suicide thoughts in teenagers include substance abuse, violent conduct, and depressed symptoms. suicide ideation and depression are closely related.
Take Away
Cyberbullying is an issue that needs to be reported. The counseling of victims and their psychotherapy can help them recover the traumas they faced due to cyberbullying. Parents should be supportive and more caring to victims so that they won’t feel alone.
To ensure a healthy digital environment, parents these days use parental control apps like PegSpy. Such apps help parents know how their kids are doing in the online world, allow them block bullies, and stay aware of their digital habits.
