Get ready to have your minds blown by the latest discovery in the rapidly increasing levels of addiction to social media by teenagers. This definitely goes hand in hand with cyber bullying, which is one of the major causes of depression among teenagers within the current generation.
Cyber bullying is described as the use of technology to harass, intimidate or threaten someone often through social media platforms like twitter, Instagram, face book to mention but a few. It can also be done through messaging apps, emails, gaming platforms, online forums or comment sections and can take many forms including verbal attacks, spreading rumors, threats or intimidations, harassment or stalking, sharing personal information and impersonation.
Adolescent girls are more likely to experience cyber bullying than boys, with 50.9% of girls and 37% of boys experiencing it. This may possibly lead to deterioration in mental health.
A case in point, Christine, A 15 year old high school student was a happy and outgoing teenager who loved social media. However, her life took a devastating turn when a group of her classmates started cyber bullying her on Instagram and face book. They created fake accounts posting cruel and false rumors about her. They even went as far as creating a hate page dedicated to mocking her.
At first, Christine tried to ignore the messages and posts, but they soon became too much to bear. She felt humiliated, isolated and lonely. She began to dread going to school, fearing she would see her tormentors in hallways. As the cyber bullying continued, Christine’s depression deepened. She lost interest in her favorite activities, stopped spending time with friends and struggled to sleep at night. She felt like she was living in a constant state of fear and anxiety.
Despite her parents’ efforts to report the bullying to the school and social media platforms, the harassment continued. Christine felt like no one was taking her situation seriously or doing enough to stop the bullying. One day, she reached a breaking point and tempted to take her own life, leaving a heartbreaking note detailing the cyber bullying and her feelings of hopelessness. Fortunately, Christine’s parents found her in time and she received the help she needed. She began with attending prayer fellowships to keep her mind busy, therapy sessions, started fresh at a new school and eventually found solace in a support group for cyber bullying survivors.
Christine’s story highlights the devastating impact of cyber bullying on mental health and the importance of taking action to prevent and address online harassment. As technology continues to evolve, so must our efforts to combat cyber bullying. Let’s work together to create a culture of respect and inclusivity online.