Cyberbullying in schools has a great effect on adolescents’ mental health; Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It, therefore, occurs through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Hence it involves sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. This sharing of information that is private or personal causes embarrassment and humiliation to students which often affects their mental health and probably leads to depression.
cyberbullying in schools and adolescents mental health
THE EFFECTS OF CYBERBULLYING IN SCHOOL
Cyberbullying in school causes a lot of emotional and psychological distress for students. The major effects therefore include. Anger, whereby the victim of cyberbullying has a feeling of rage inside them hence plot revenge and engage in retaliation. Second, they often succumb to anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions that affect adolescents’ mental health. Third, it causes teens to feel excluded and ostracized due to cutting off communication with their world. The sharing of information that is private often makes them feel hopeless. This is due to excessive trolling hence escape the pain through suicide.
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PROMOTION OF ADOLESCENTS MENTAL HEALTH
Promotion of adolescents’ mental health aims to strengthen individuals’ capacity to regulate emotions. Also, enhance alternatives to risk-taking behaviors besides building resilience into difficult situations and adversities, and promote supportive social environments and social networks. It, therefore, requires programs with a multileveled approach with varied delivery platforms. For instance, digital media, health or social care settings, schools or the community, and varied strategies to reach adolescents, particularly the most vulnerable ones. Since adolescents’ mental health greatly depends on their peers, it is important to educate them on the effects of cyberbullying in school. Lastly, discourage the sharing of information without an individual’s consent.
promotion of adolescents’ mental health
