The internet is important for students, providing many chances to learn, connect, and have fun in today's digital world. However, it also presents challenges.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. We want to make people aware of different types of bullying, such as cyber bullying, which worries parents and kids. At Innerspace Counseling, we understand the significance of addressing this issue and providing support to those who need it. Cyber bullying is one factor that contributes to many mental health issues and all these issues can lead to school refusal.
This blog will discuss the impact of cyber bullying on students. It will also cover the signs to watch for and provide tips to help your adolescent cope with this challenging situation. We recommend seeking assistance from a mental health professional for serious mental health needs. Specifically, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for children and adolescents are highly recommended options.
Understanding Cyber Bullying
Cyber bullying, also known as cyberbullying, can take many forms. Parents and caregivers need to understand that this problem can affect teens online, not just in physical places. Here are some common forms of cyber bullying experienced by students:
Social Media Harassment: Students may face negative comments, threats, or the spreading of false information on social media platforms like Instagram. These actions can have severe emotional and psychological consequences.
Cyberstalking: Some students may experience unwanted attention and harassment, including invasive messages, following them online, and tracking their activities.
Exclusion and Rumor-Spreading: Online groups or individuals might deliberately exclude a student or spread rumors about them, damaging their reputation and self-esteem.
Impersonation: Cyberbullying teens may create fake profiles pretending to be the victim, leading to misleading or harmful interactions with others.
Online Shaming and Humiliation: Posting embarrassing content or private information can subject students to public embarrassment.
Therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can play a pivotal role in addressing the emotional and psychological distress caused by cyberbullying.
Harmful Effects of Cyber Bullying
Identifying whether your teen is experiencing cyber bullying can be challenging, as they may not always openly discuss their online experiences. However, here are some behavioral signs that may indicate a problem:
Emotional Changes: Look for sudden shifts in mood, increased anxiety, depression, anger issues, stress or withdrawal from social activities.
Changes in Online Habits: If your adolescent suddenly stops using their preferred online platforms or becomes secretive about their online activities, it could be a red flag.
Academic Decline: Cyber bullying can lead to a decline in academic performance or school refusal because of emotional distress and distraction.
Social Isolation: Your teen may isolate themselves from friends and family or show signs of avoiding social situations.
Physical Symptoms: Stress from cyber bullying can manifest physically, with symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, and sleep disturbances.
IOP and PHP programs at Innerspace Counseling provide specialized support to help deal with the emotional distress caused by cyberbullying
How to Deal with Online Bullying
If you suspect your child is experiencing cyber bullying, take these steps to support them:
Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to discuss their online experiences. Encourage them to share their concerns without judgment.
Document Evidence: Keep records of any instances of cyber bullying, including screenshots and messages. This may be necessary for reporting and intervention.
Teach Online Etiquette: Help your child understand how to use the internet responsibly and safely. Educate them about privacy settings and the importance of not sharing personal information.
Block and Report: Encourage your child to block the bully and report the behavior to the platform administrators.
Seek Professional Help: If the bullying continues or your child shows signs of severe distress, it's essential to find someone who can discuss the types of treatment options available to help your child. At Innerspace Counseling, we offer specialized IOP and PHP programs, including group therapy, individual therapy, family sessions, and medication management. The therapy sessions use innovative methods such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These methods help with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, anger issues, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health disorders.
Seeking Help at Innerspace Counseling
If your child is struggling with cyber bullying and is looking to prevent bullying and feel safe, it's crucial to consider professional treatment options. Our IOP and PHP programs offer complete care for people with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, anger issues, PTSD, and more. Our team of experienced therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors will work together to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child's needs.
In conclusion, cyber bullying is a concerning issue that can have lasting effects on a student's mental and emotional well-being. It's essential to be vigilant, recognize the signs, and take steps to address the problem promptly. Get help at Innerspace Counseling to support your child with online bullying and help them feel better mentally and gain confidence. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance in helping your child overcome this difficult situation.
Resources:
Each public school has a Bullying Prevention Liaison to contact regarding bullying issues