Expert Insights: An estimated 1 in 4 teens has experienced cyberbullying. Parents can help.; The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, March 23, 2024

JONATHAN PERLE, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Expert Insights: An estimated 1 in 4 teens has experienced cyberbullying. Parents can help.

"What are the outcomes of cyberbullying?

The residual effects of cyberbullying are often considered like those of traditional bullying. Related to the victim, cyberbullying can lead to:

• General life stress.

• Avoidance of school or social situations for fear of what others may have learned about them.

• Avoidance of online pleasurable activities (e.g., gaming, social media).

• Anxiety, whether general (e.g., “what if” thoughts) or specific (e.g., about particular events or people).

• Depression that could include changes in eating, sleeping or interests, as well as increases in withdrawal, irritability, and potentially suicidal thoughts or activities.

• Substance use to cope.

• Trauma that could develop over time from recurrent exposure to bullying and make the individual fearful of their safety at home, online, in social settings and/or at school.

Combined issues can not only result in a decline in self-esteem, but also reduced academic and social performance. Finally, some have suggested that being cyberbullied has the potential to increase the chances of traditional in-person bullying.

Despite the victim being the focus, cyberbullying can also lead to issues for the bully.

Depending on what they share and the outcomes, many schools have implemented bullying policies to hold children (and families) accountable. Similarly, many states have integrated cyberbullying laws that could result in formal charges being brought against a bully. To learn more about specific laws, visit StopBullying.gov/resources/laws."