Cyberbullying: What It Is, The Effects It Can Have On Teens, And Signs To Watch For

Pfizer
12 Feb 202006:20
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this emotional interview, 16-year-old Caitlyn shares her harrowing experience with cyberbullying, which led to anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. She remained silent for two years, unaware that her 'friends' were the perpetrators. Caitlyn's mother, April, and Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall from Pfizer discuss the pervasiveness and dangers of cyberbullying, its effects on teens, and the importance of parental involvement and intervention. The conversation highlights the need for awareness, support, and proactive measures to combat this digital menace.

Takeaways
  • 😔 Caitlyn, a 16-year-old, experienced cyberbullying from people she thought were her friends, which lasted for two years.
  • 📚 The bullying began in junior high and escalated from classroom and hallway incidents to online harassment via text messages and Instagram posts.
  • 💔 Caitlyn felt isolated and began to internalize the negative messages, questioning her self-worth and even contemplating suicide.
  • 🤔 She struggled to communicate her experiences to her parents, finding it difficult to discuss the bullying.
  • 😡 Caitlyn's mother expressed anger and regret for not being aware of the extent of the bullying her daughter faced.
  • 🌐 The discussion highlighted the omnipresence of cyberbullying, which can occur anytime and anywhere, unlike traditional bullying.
  • 🔍 The anonymity of cyberbullying was emphasized, making it harder for victims to identify their aggressors.
  • 📉 According to a 2017 CDC study, approximately one in seven high school students reported being electronically bullied in the past year.
  • 🚨 The negative effects of bullying include academic struggles, increased anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, substance use, and suicidal thoughts.
  • 👨‍⚕️ Seeking therapy helped Caitlyn cope with the trauma of cyberbullying and now she is in a position to assist others facing similar issues.
  • 👀 Parents are advised to look for signs of distress, avoidance of social activities, and secretive digital behavior in their children, which could indicate cyberbullying.
  • 📝 Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall provided a list of indicators for parents to identify cyberbullying and recommended proactive communication and setting digital boundaries.
Q & A

  • What was the initial experience of Caitlyn in junior high regarding friendships?

    -Caitlyn initially had an easy time making friends, but her experience changed once she entered junior high, where the people she thought were her friends turned out not to be.

  • How did the bullying start for Caitlyn?

    -The bullying started in the classrooms and hallways, with Caitlyn being excluded from social activities by her peers.

  • What kind of messages did Caitlyn receive that escalated the bullying?

    -Caitlyn received nasty text messages and Instagram posts, including messages calling her derogatory names and telling her to kill herself.

  • Why did Caitlyn initially not tell anyone about the bullying?

    -Caitlyn found it hard to talk about her experiences, and she started to believe that the bullying might be her fault.

  • How did Caitlyn's mother, April, realize that something was wrong?

    -April noticed some behavioral changes in Caitlyn but did not realize the extent of the bullying until later.

  • What impact did the cyberbullying have on Caitlyn's mental health?

    -Caitlyn suffered from anxiety, depression, and had panic attacks as a result of the cyberbullying.

  • What steps did Caitlyn's parents take after finding out about the bullying?

    -Caitlyn's parents sought therapy for her, which helped her cope with the effects of the cyberbullying.

  • What is the difference between traditional bullying and cyberbullying according to Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall?

    -Cyberbullying can happen at any time and place, and it can be anonymous, making it harder for victims to escape or identify their bullies.

  • According to the CDC study mentioned, how common is electronic bullying among high school students?

    -The 2017 CDC study showed that about one in seven high school students were electronically bullied in the 12 months prior to the survey.

  • What are some of the negative effects of bullying that research has shown?

    -Negative effects include trouble concentrating, academic struggles, increased anxiety and depression, sleep disturbances, substance use, and suicidal thoughts.

  • What advice does the script provide for parents to identify if their child is being cyberbullied?

    -Parents should look for signs such as the child being upset or distressed after using the internet, avoiding school or social activities, having a secretive digital life, and showing nervousness when receiving messages. They should also be proactive in discussing their child's digital world and consider setting parameters for device usage.

Outlines
00:00
😔 Teen Cyberbullying Experience

Caitlyn, a 16-year-old, shares her harrowing experience of cyberbullying that began in junior high and lasted for two years. Initially, she was ostracized by her friends, leading to anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. The bullying escalated to the point where she received hateful messages and was even told to kill herself. Caitlyn's mother, April, noticed behavioral changes but was unaware of the extent of the cyberbullying. Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall emphasizes the severity of cyberbullying, distinguishing it from traditional bullying by its constant presence and potential anonymity. A 2017 CDC study revealed that one in seven high school students had been electronically bullied in the past year, leading to various negative effects such as academic struggles and increased risk of mental health issues.

05:02
🛡️ Addressing and Preventing Cyberbullying

The script discusses the importance of addressing cyberbullying and offers guidance for parents to identify and respond to it. Signs to look for include distress during internet use, avoidance of social activities, and secretive digital behavior. Parents are encouraged to set boundaries on device usage and seek professional advice if bullying is suspected. It is also crucial for children to speak up if they witness or know someone being bullied. The script ends with a call to action for parents to be positive online role models and provides a resource link, gethealthystayhealthy.com, for further information and a monthly newsletter sign-up.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying refers to the use of digital communication tools to harm, harass, or intimidate others. It is a significant issue in the modern age, especially among teenagers, as it can occur at any time and place, leaving the victim feeling exposed and without escape. In the video, Caitlyn's story exemplifies the impact of cyberbullying, which led to her suffering from anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.
💡Bullying
Bullying is the act of using force, coercion, or threat to abuse or intimidate others. It is a broader term that includes both physical and verbal aggression. The video script discusses the transition from traditional bullying to cyberbullying, highlighting the unique challenges posed by the latter, such as anonymity and the constant potential for harassment.
💡Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, often about an imminent event or without a clear cause. In the context of the video, Caitlyn's experience with cyberbullying led to the development of anxiety, which is a common psychological response to prolonged stress and fear.
💡Depression
Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. Caitlyn's story in the script illustrates how cyberbullying can lead to depression, affecting one's overall well-being and quality of life.
💡Panic Attacks
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety that can cause physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath. In the video, Caitlyn mentions having panic attacks as a result of the cyberbullying she endured, which is indicative of the severe emotional distress she experienced.
💡Therapy
Therapy refers to the treatment or counseling process that aims to help individuals cope with and overcome psychological issues. After Caitlyn revealed her cyberbullying ordeal to her parents, she was taken to therapy, which played a crucial role in her recovery and ability to help others facing similar issues.
💡Anonymity
Anonymity is the state of being unidentified or unacknowledged. In the context of cyberbullying, it refers to the ability of bullies to hide their identity, making it difficult for victims to know who is targeting them. The script mentions this as one of the key differences between traditional bullying and cyberbullying.
💡CDC
The CDC, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a US federal agency focused on public health. The video script cites a 2017 CDC study that highlights the prevalence of electronic bullying among high school students, emphasizing the widespread nature of the issue.
💡Behavioral Changes
Behavioral changes refer to shifts in an individual's actions or habits. In the script, April, Caitlyn's mother, mentions observing behavioral changes in her daughter, which were indicative of the emotional turmoil Caitlyn was experiencing due to cyberbullying.
💡Internet Privileges
Internet privileges refer to the access and rights granted to individuals to use the internet, often contingent on responsible behavior. The script discusses the concern that victims of cyberbullying may have about their internet privileges being reduced or taken away if they report the abuse.
💡Role Models
A role model is someone who serves as an example or standard for others to follow. The video encourages parents to be role models for their children, demonstrating positive online interactions to counteract the negative effects of cyberbullying.
Highlights

Caitlyn, a 16-year-old, shares her story of enduring cyberbullying for two years without speaking out.

The bullying began in junior high, with Caitlyn's so-called friends excluding her and sending her hurtful messages.

Caitlyn's mother was unaware of the extent of the cyberbullying happening through her daughter's phone.

Cyberbullying can lead to severe consequences such as anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, as experienced by Caitlyn.

Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall emphasizes the differences between traditional bullying and cyberbullying, including its anonymous and omnipresent nature.

A 2017 CDC study reveals that approximately one in seven high school students have experienced electronic bullying.

Cyberbullying can result in academic struggles, sleep disturbances, substance use, and even suicidal thoughts among teens.

Caitlyn's experience highlights the reluctance of victims to report cyberbullying due to fear of repercussions such as losing device privileges.

Therapy played a crucial role in Caitlyn's recovery, illustrating the importance of professional help in dealing with the effects of cyberbullying.

April, Caitlyn's mother, discusses the behavioral signs that may indicate a child is experiencing cyberbullying.

Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall advises parents to be proactive, communicate with their children about their digital lives, and set boundaries for device usage.

It is recommended that parents seek advice from healthcare professionals or school counselors if they suspect their child is being cyberbullied.

The importance of parents modeling positive online interactions is underscored to prevent cyberbullying and foster a healthy digital environment.

Resources such as gethealthystayhealthy.com are available for families to learn more about cyberbullying and how to address it.

The show encourages viewers to sign up for a monthly newsletter for continued education on health and well-being topics.

Caitlyn's story concludes with a message of resilience and the positive impact of speaking up against cyberbullying.

Transcripts

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CyberbullyingMental HealthTeen StrugglesOnline HarassmentParental GuidanceTherapy SupportSocial MediaCDC StudyCaitlyn's StoryBullying Awareness