The aim of social networking is to bring people together, to instantly connect with others e.g., instant messaging, email, or text messaging. Although social media is one of the leading methods of communicating, 71% of children are now exposed to the internet, with no protection against the prevention of fake social profiles on things such as Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram. Children make up 53% of mobile phone owners which is an indication of the level of the problem in the young.

In recent years as a direct consequence of cyberbullying, the risk of anxiety, loneliness, and depression has increased. A recent study found that 37% of young people aged between 12–17 year olds have said that they have experienced being bullied online. In extreme situations it has led to suicide, the second leading cause of death for this age group. Ages 12–18 year olds are predisposed to bullying on Tik Tok and Snapchat simply because these are popular for that age group.

It is reported that 41% of children develop social anxiety because of experiencing cyberbullying. Some 30% of children reported that this had happened within the last week when asked this question. Young people fall into the trap of thinking that a large number of contacts is a sign of your popularity.

Cyberbullies will use any method available to them to embarrass and humiliate their victim, by posting embarrassing photos and spreading rumours or making up lies. Why do people cyberbully? The cyberbullies do this because they are cowards, they have low self-esteem and so terrorising their victims makes them feel powerful and in control. They think it is fun and that they are clever!

A common name for this type of behaviour is called ‘Trolling’. This is when someone intentionally attacks another person on the internet. The sole purpose is to upset and hurt this person. As this is all done online it leaves a ‘digital footprint’ where a record can prove that cyberbullying has taken place, this information can help to stop the abuse. It is useful to take screenshots of messages, pictures, record voice messages or videos, which will assist in the investigation of the perpetrators.

To prevent cyberbullying and protect yourself apps., can be deleted or if you prefer, stay offline, have a break and give yourself time to recover. Why should you have to do this?  By doing this you are not buying into the unacceptable behaviour, if you shut down their route, they will give up as they are no longer able to ‘get to you’. Most platforms allow you to adjust your privacy settings allowing you to control who can view your profile. This is easily achieved by changing your setting to private. You can also limit who can send you messages and make comments on your posts. Social media also allows you to report anything that is not tolerated. You should only have people who you are familiar with as friends.

If you are getting bullied via a mobile phone you can block the number that is texting. This will stop a message or phone call from the bully coming through to you.

Cyberbullying can ruin lives. It is an invisible enemy, and it destroys every aspect of a person’s mental health by creating fear. Parents need to look for the signs; if their child is becoming withdrawn and nervous, changes in behaviour like making excuses not to go on the school bus or being secretive when on their phone or laptop.

Talking to my own daughter who was bullied, I asked her what advice she would give to someone experiencing this and she said, ‘I would tell them to report it to the teachers because although you feel that it won’t stop and that it will get worse, it doesn’t. The bullies (if known) are dealt with by the school and they are made to stop’. She went on to say how empowering it can be when you rise above it.

Talking to a counsellor can help support someone that is experiencing bullying.

Call Linda John today to hep you with Cyberbullying