Cyberbullying: What It Is, The Effects It Can Have On Teens, And Signs To Watch For

Pfizer

12 Feb 202006:20

Summary

TLDRIn this interview, 16-year-old Caitlyn shares her harrowing experience with cyberbullying, detailing how it escalated from exclusion to receiving hurtful messages and posts. Suffering in silence for two years, Caitlyn developed anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Her mother, April, discusses the signs she noticed but didn't fully comprehend the extent of the bullying. Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall from Pfizer emphasizes the pervasiveness and dangers of cyberbullying, which can happen anytime, anywhere, and often anonymously. The discussion highlights the importance of parental awareness, proactive communication, and seeking professional help to combat this digital threat.

Takeaways

📱 Caitlyn, a 16-year-old, experienced cyberbullying from individuals she considered friends, which included nasty texts and social media posts.
😔 The bullying led to Caitlyn suffering from anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, highlighting the severe mental health impact of cyberbullying.
🤔 Caitlyn initially kept her experiences to herself, which is a common reaction among victims who may feel ashamed or fear repercussions.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents, like Caitlyn's mother April, may notice behavioral changes in their children but might not realize the extent of cyberbullying unless informed.
🌐 Cyberbullying is different from traditional bullying as it can occur anytime, anywhere, and often involves anonymity, making it harder to address.
📊 According to a 2017 CDC study, approximately one in seven high school students experienced electronic bullying in the past year.
🚨 The effects of cyberbullying are wide-ranging and can include academic struggles, social withdrawal, and increased risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
🗣️ Open communication is crucial; victims should be encouraged to speak up about their experiences to seek help and support.
👩‍⚕️ Therapy and professional help can be beneficial for victims of cyberbullying, as it was for Caitlyn, who now helps others facing similar issues.
👀 Parents are advised to be proactive, monitor their children's digital activities, and set boundaries regarding device usage to prevent cyberbullying.
💡 It's important for parents to model positive online behavior, as children often learn from their parents' actions in the digital world.

Q & A

What was Caitlyn's experience with bullying when she entered junior high?
-Caitlyn experienced a shift in her social life when she entered junior high, where she was subjected to bullying by individuals she thought were her friends. This included being excluded from social activities and receiving nasty texts and Instagram posts.
What were the specific types of cyberbullying Caitlyn encountered?
-Caitlyn received hurtful text messages and social media posts. The messages were derogatory, calling her derogatory names and even telling her to 'kill yourself'.
How did Caitlyn's mother, April, react when she learned about the cyberbullying?
-April expressed anger and regret for not being aware of the extent of the bullying. She noticed behavioral changes in Caitlyn but didn't realize how severe the situation was until she learned about the cyberbullying.
What was the impact of cyberbullying on Caitlyn's mental health?
-Caitlyn suffered from anxiety, depression, and panic attacks as a result of the cyberbullying she experienced.
What steps did Caitlyn and her family take to address the cyberbullying?
-After Caitlyn confided in her parents about the cyberbullying, they sought therapy for her, which helped her cope with the situation and eventually enabled her to help others facing similar issues.
What is Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall's stance on cyberbullying, and what has she done about it?
-Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall is passionate about the dangers of cyberbullying and has been involved in efforts to combat it, including testifying before Congress to call for a federal crackdown on cyberbullying.
According to Dr. Freda, what are the key differences between traditional bullying and cyberbullying?
-Dr. Freda highlighted that traditional bullying typically occurs at school during daytime, while cyberbullying can happen at any time and place, potentially without the victim knowing the identity of the bully.
What statistics did the CDC provide regarding electronic bullying among high school students?
-A 2017 study by the CDC showed that approximately one in seven high school students had experienced electronic bullying in the 12 months prior to the survey.
What are some of the negative effects of bullying as mentioned in the script?
-The negative effects of bullying include trouble concentrating, academic struggles, avoidance or quitting of school or other activities, increased anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, substance use, and suicidal thoughts.
What advice does the script give to parents to identify if their child is being cyberbullied?
-Parents should look for signs such as distress during or after internet use, avoidance of school or social activities, a secretive digital life, and nervousness when receiving messages. They should also be proactive in discussing their child's digital world and setting parameters for device use.
What actions should be taken if a parent suspects their child is cyberbullying someone else?
-If a parent suspects their child is cyberbullying, they should take immediate action, acting as role models for positive online interactions and seeking advice from healthcare professionals or school counselors.

Outlines

00:00

😢 Cyberbullying's Impact on Teen Mental Health

This paragraph introduces Caitlyn, a 16-year-old who experienced cyberbullying from individuals she considered friends. The bullying began in junior high and escalated to nasty texts and social media posts. Caitlyn suffered in silence for two years, leading to anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Despite the difficulty in discussing the issue, Caitlyn eventually confided in her parents, leading to therapy and her current advocacy against cyberbullying. The conversation also includes Caitlyn's mother, April, and Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall from Pfizer, who discuss the broader implications of cyberbullying, its prevalence, and the potential long-term effects on mental health.

05:02

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Addressing Cyberbullying: Parental Guidance and Action

The second paragraph focuses on the role of parents in identifying and addressing cyberbullying. It suggests looking for signs such as distress after internet use, avoidance of social activities, and secretive online behavior. Parents are advised to set boundaries on device usage, seek professional help if necessary, and encourage their children to speak up if they witness bullying. The importance of parental modeling of positive online interactions is emphasized. The paragraph concludes with resources for further information and support, including a website and a monthly newsletter.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying refers to the use of electronic communication to bully others, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature. In the video, Caitlyn experiences cyberbullying through nasty texts and social media posts, which escalates from classroom interactions to more personal and harmful online attacks. This form of bullying is a central theme of the video, illustrating its impact on mental health and the importance of addressing it.

💡Mental Health

Mental health encompasses a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is a critical aspect of Caitlyn's story, as the cyberbullying she endures leads to anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. The video emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of deteriorating mental health and seeking help, as it did for Caitlyn when she began therapy.

💡Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Caitlyn's experience with cyberbullying results in her suffering from anxiety, which is a common reaction to persistent and distressing situations like bullying. The video uses her story to highlight how cyberbullying can lead to severe mental health issues.

💡Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. In the video, Caitlyn's battle with cyberbullying contributes to her developing depression, which is a serious condition that can significantly impair a person's quality of life and requires professional attention.

💡Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts refer to contemplations of ending one's own life. The severity of Caitlyn's cyberbullying experience leads her to consider suicide, as mentioned in the script where she reflects on the messages she received. This keyword underscores the gravity of cyberbullying's impact and the urgent need for intervention and support.

💡Therapy

Therapy is a form of treatment for individuals with psychological difficulties, often involving talking with a mental health professional. The video mentions that Caitlyn's parents got her into therapy after she disclosed her experiences, which helped her cope and recover. Therapy is presented as a vital resource for individuals affected by cyberbullying.

💡Parental Involvement

Parental involvement refers to the active participation of parents in their children's lives, especially concerning their well-being and development. In the video, Caitlyn's mother, April, plays a crucial role in recognizing the signs of cyberbullying and seeking help. The script emphasizes the importance of parents being aware, proactive, and supportive in addressing cyberbullying.

💡Digital Life

Digital life pertains to the aspects of one's life that are conducted online or through digital devices. The video discusses how Caitlyn's digital life became a source of distress due to cyberbullying, highlighting the need for parents to be aware of and set boundaries around their children's digital activities to protect them.

💡Behavioral Changes

Behavioral changes refer to shifts in a person's typical patterns of behavior, which can be indicative of underlying issues. April, Caitlyn's mother, notices small behavioral changes in her daughter, which are later linked to the cyberbullying she experiences. The video uses this concept to illustrate how observant parents might detect signs of cyberbullying.

💡Role Models

Role models are individuals whose behavior, example, or success is emulated by others. The video concludes with a call for parents to be positive role models in their online interactions, setting an example for their children on how to behave responsibly and respectfully in the digital world.

Highlights

Caitlyn, a 16-year-old, endured two years of cyberbullying from peers she thought were her friends.

Bullying began in junior high, affecting Caitlyn's social life and leading to anxiety and depression.

Caitlyn's mother, April, noticed behavioral changes but was unaware of the extent of the cyberbullying.

Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall emphasizes the difference between traditional bullying and the pervasive nature of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying can occur anonymously, making it difficult for victims to escape or identify their tormentors.

A 2017 CDC study revealed that one in seven high school students experienced electronic bullying in the past year.

Cyberbullying can lead to severe mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Caitlyn's experience with therapy after disclosing her cyberbullying ordeal led to positive change in her life.

Parents are advised to look for signs such as distress after internet use or avoidance of social activities.

April suggests setting parameters for device use and seeking professional help if bullying is suspected.

Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall discusses the importance of parents modeling positive online behavior for their children.

The show provides a resource website, gethealthystayhealthy.com, for more information on cyberbullying.

Caitlyn's story illustrates the importance of speaking up and seeking help when experiencing cyberbullying.

The conversation highlights the need for increased awareness and education on the dangers of cyberbullying.

Dr. Phil's discussion with Caitlyn and April emphasizes the role of family support in overcoming cyberbullying.

The show concludes with a call to action for parents to be vigilant and proactive in addressing cyberbullying.