Cyberbullying and mental health.

Cyberbullying which is also known as cyber harassment can be seen as a form of bullying or harassment using electronic means. These could include phones, social media and websites, gaming platforms, etc.

It is often found during interactions between people on social media. Users of social media are often found using harsh words, insults, and derogatory statements to other users most of the time, which can end up plunging them into depression.

Bullying has always existed between teenagers and youths. As it may seem to cyberbully increased when social media became relevant.

Cyberbullying could most times include posting threats, body shaming, sarcastic comments to the victim’s uploads, and hate speech.

Cyberbullying and its causes

Victims of online harassment are exposed to a lot of emotional trauma and if not noticed and taken care of early–could lead to suicidal symptoms and acts.

According to Cyberbullying statistics and data for 2022, there is a high probability of victims committing suicide. Most of them scar their skin, leading to loss of blood that could lead to death. Apart from suicidal ideation, low self-esteem is a general experience they battle. They pass through various negative responses, anger management, dilemma, anxiety, and depression.

Why cyberbullying research is important

Bullying has never been a topic that was taken seriously — in schools, neighborhoods, and even in family units. At this rate, noting the negative effects it is implementing on young adults, deliberate research on cyberbullying is needed.

The digital nature of cyberbullying protects the needed information on how much it has affected the current life of teenagers and youths which will also deter the future’s well-being.

Unfortunately, social media can be considered as the cause of depression and suicidal thoughts evident in teenagers and young adults considering that cyberbullying is clearly among the reasons. Young adults are naturally soft in heart and mind. In essence; their mental health should always be in good shape.

The research on cyber harassment is important because it will create awareness; give the victims a voice and a safe place to express their pain and hidden trauma. A great amount of depression derived from social media will be curtailed if cyberbullying is taken seriously.

Remedies of cyberbullying

The Information-technology-act that was enacted in 2002 was created solely for the concerns of the internet, cybercrime, and e-commerce. Since cyberbullying has always been treated as an inconsequential topic, the movement of this act has been unheard of.

The victims can make use of other remedies as follows;

• Be open to someone: It has been brought to light that victims are often ashamed of sharing their experiences when shamed online, and this has never been a proven solution.

• Don’t engage: Being bullied online mostly consists of hate speech and insulting comments. It’s advisable to avoid responding to your bullies. It will only make your mental health unsafe.

• Decipher the signs: Bullies will often say things like, “You are taking it too seriously” or “It was just a joke”. Always be able to recognize the signs before it begins. If the words hurt you and made you uncomfortable, then it should be checked.

• The bullies should be punished: Bullying that goes on both online and offline can be curtailed if these bullies are punished accordingly.

Cyberbullying has done more harm than good in a social media society, affecting the victim’s mental health physically. It should not be treated as a topic with little importance.