Effects of Cyberbullying
Effects of Cyberbullying
Traditional bullying is a warning sign of cyberbullying!
Compared to those who were NOT traditional victims…
…victims of traditional types of bullying were 10.5 times more likely to
ALSO be a victim of cyberbullying
When children and youth are involved in verbal, physical and relational bullying, the risk of being also involved in cyberbullying is higher.
A study conducted by Singapore Children’s Society and Institute
of Mental Health among adolescents in Singapore, 2014.
The Targeted
The targeted may experience negative impacts in their lives and developmental stages, such as:
• Drop in grades and poor school attendance
• Loneliness and poor social relationships
• Poor physical health
• Lowered self-esteem and depression
• Suicide (or “bullycide”)
• Self-harm
• Revenge leading to violent juvenile behaviours
The Aggressor
Bullying not only affects the one getting bullied, but also the one doing it. Those who bully others may also engage in aggressive behaviours in adulthood, impaired social abilities and relationships, or even depression and suicide. They are more likely to:
• Abuse alcohol and drugs
• Be involved in fights and vandalize property
• Drop out of school
• Have criminal convictions
• Be abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses, or children as adults
Bystanders
Those who witness bullying are also likely to be affected mentally and emotionally. They are more likely to:
• Experience a sense of fear or feel guilty towards the one who was bullied
• See bullying as being normal
• Miss or skip school
Bullycide
Those who are bullied may have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts; however, bullying alone is not the cause. Many issues contribute to suicide risk, including depression, problems at home, and trauma history. Bullying can make an unsupportive situation worse.