Cyberbullying and Mental Health: Who can help!

Today even school children are handling their personal mobile phones so that they can connect with their friends and peers and to have their social media accounts on facebook, whatsapp, instagram, etc.. But remember, more the  social platforms to connect, more is the risk of being bullied. Not just school children, anyone can become a target and get bullied.

What is this form of bullying called?

Bullying with the use of digital technologies, is known as CYBERBULLYING. Cyberbullying intends at scaring, angering or shaming the target.

How can someone bully online?

• By posting embarrassing photos or videos of the target on social media
• By sending abusive or threatening messages, images or videos to the target
• Sending messages to others on the target’s behalf or through fake accounts.

Cyberbullying can have a long lasting effect on all dimensions of health

• The target might feel upset, embarrassed, afraid or angry all the time. This affects him mentally.
• The target might feel ashamed or lose interest in their favorite things. This affects him emotionally.
• The target might always feel tired or experience stomach aches and headaches. This affects him physically.

How Cyberbullying affects Mental Health?

Cyberbullying has a very strong effect on one’s mental health. It leads one to:

• Feeling of being ashamed, nervous, anxious and insecure.
• Withdraw from friends and family
• Have negative thoughts about own-self
• Feel guilty about things he/ she did or did not do
• Feel lonely or overwhelmed
• Suffer frequent headaches, nausea or stomach aches
• Lose motivation to do things

All this together can perpetuate negative feelings and thoughts which can adversely affect one's mental health and well-being.

Who all can help?

It is very important for the target to seek help at this time. People who can help:

1. Parents/ closed family member of a trusted adult
2. Counselor or sports teacher at the school
3. A professional counselor on helpline numbers.

First thing first, block the bully and report. Social media companies are bound to keep everyone safe.

Let us together keep everybody safe.

Source:- https://www.unicef.org/end-violence/how-to-stop-cyberbullying