The Long-Term Consequences of Cyberbullying According to Talkspace
Cyberbullying is a serious problem. However, the effects of it are often under-estimated. Experts have noted that people rarely commit suicide as the result of bullying. However, that does not mean that bullying does not have long-term consequences. Many people have problems as adults because of bullying.
Shame, guilt and embarrassment are some of the feelings that people may have as the result of bullying. It is estimated that 50 percent of children do not tell their children that they are being bullied. Sixty percent of children do not tell their teachers that they are being bullied.
What Is Cyberbullying?
Bullying is defined as aggressive, repeated and intentionally harmful behavior to someone or a group. Bullies are often bigger and stronger than the people they bully. They may also have a higher social status than the people they bully.
Bullying often takes place in a school or other physical location. However, talkspace therapists often counsel people who have been bullied online. There are several things that can be classified as cyberbullying.
- Forwarding private emails
- Posting text messages
- Sending threats to people
- Sharing inappropriate photos
- Spreading rumors on social media
Signs That You Have Been Affected by Cyberbullying
Some people who are cyberbullied will not suffer long-term consequences from it. However, many people suffer trauma that causes them to internalize their problems. This means that they are more likely to blame themselves for every negative situation in their lives.
People who internalize their pain are also more likely to suffer from poor health. People who are bullied have a harder time recovering from illness. Additionally, they have a higher level of C-reactive protein in their body. People who have higher levels of C-reactive protein in their body are more likely to develop depression, metabolic disorders and heart disease.
Additionally, people who are bullied are more likely to have problems maintaining stable employment. Studies have shown that people who were bullied as children tend to make less money than their peers. That is why it is a good idea for you to talk to a talkspace therapist if you have been bullied.
How to Prevent Cyberbullying
It is important to remember that bullying is a serious problem. In fact, it is estimated that 20 percent of children who are between the ages of 12 and 18 have been bullied. Fifteen percent of this bullying has occurred online.
People spend a lot of time online, so cyberbullying is a fairly common occurrence. It is also a lot easier to get away with cyberbullying online. Furthermore, many bullies have been victims of bullying themselves. It is a cycle that keeps repeating itself.
If you are a parent or someone who works with children, then it is important for you to keep the lines of communication open. They want you to be able to listen without judging them. You may also want to sign them up for a session with a Talkspace therapist.
