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

Summary

In 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.