October is National Bullying Prevention Month, when we are reminded to oppose the harassment or victimization of all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, or identity. As a means to harm another individual through behavior or speech, bullying can have a direct impact on mental health. According to StopBullying.gov, children and youth who are bullied over time are more likely than those not bullied to experience depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Sad Girl in School

While learning from home during the pandemic, many students relied on devices as their primary form of conversation. L1ght, an organization that tracks online harassment, reported an over 70% increase in cyberbullying in 2020 alone. As of August 2022, 60% of teens report experiencing some sort of cyberbullying. Additionally, 87% of young people report having seen cyberbullying occurring online.

With this prevalence of cyberbullying, parents and guardians can learn to look out for the signs of cyberbullying and understand its impact. Among children and teens, bullying can cause feelings of rejection, isolation, exclusion and low self-esteem. Depending on the situation, cyberbullying can also lead to mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety. Some warning signs that a teenager may be involved or experiencing cyberbullying include:

  • Noticeable changes in device usage (increase or decrease)
  • Avoidance to social situations, even those which were previously enjoyed by them
  • Emotional responses to their device (anger, sadness, laughter, etc.)
  • A need to hide the screen or device when others appear
  • Avoiding discussion about device activity

Noticing the signs are the first step to finding support. If you suspect a teen is involved in cyberbullying, try opening up a discussion with them. Recognize they might not feel comfortable talking right away and give them time to open up. If possible, be sure to document any posts or content you find online. From there, a report can be made either through the social media platform or school policies.

With situations that may feel sensitive regarding mental health, professional support is available for all those involved. Oaks is here to help guide you or your teen in the process. To learn more about Oaks services or schedule an appointment, call our Access Center at 1-800-963-3377 or fill out a contact form.