The Alarming Effects of Cyberbullying

Bullying often times has a clear link with suicide. Cyberbullying, in particular, is very common amongst teenagers, as many of them are on social media. There has been much research  regarding cyberbullying and the effects it has on a teenager's health. Michele Hamm, a researcher in pediatrics at the University of Alberta, found that there was "a consistency between exposure to cyberbullying and increased likelihood of depression". However, they couldn't find a link between being bullied and self-harm, or a link between cyberbullying and anxiety. It is important to note that just because the studies don't directly reveal that, it doesn't mean it can't exist. What is also alarming is that teens suffer through cyberbullying in silence as they fear that if they tell their parents, they may loose their internet access".  Therefore, it is crucial that parents respond carefully if their child is bullied online, and teach them safe Internet use instead of taking away their privilege of using it.



Original Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/social-media-cyber-bullying-linked-to-teen-depression/