Effects of Cyberbullying

Bullying isn't limited to the school yard anymore. With the population tapping into large social networks or communities such as Myspace, Facebook and Twitter, it's easy for a child or an adult to become a target. Cyberbullying also can take place through email, text messages on a cellphone and forums. Victims of cyberbullying may feel trapped. Even if they change their screen name or go to a new community, there's always that chance of being targeted again. Some of the effects of cyberbullying include anxiety, depression, low grades and, in rare cases, death.

  1. Anxiety

    • Anxiety can take on a number of forms, from panic and obsessive compulsive disorders to general and social anxiety. Signs or symptoms of anxiety include irrational thoughts and fears, restlessness, irritability and trouble concentrating. This is one of the more common side effects of cyberbullying as it ties in with the victim's inability to feel safe, both on and offline. If a victim is online in their own room, a place that once felt secure, their comfort and security at home may also be at risk.

    Depression

    • Like anxiety, depression can cover a multitude of symptoms. Feelings of depression can be present in victims for weeks at a time where every day feels like the one before it. A few signs of depression include a looming sadness, irritability, hopelessness, trouble sleeping, fatigue weight change and loss of appetite. These symptoms can throw the victim into a downward spiral and may lead to aggression, panic attacks and thoughts of committing suicide.

    Low Grades and Performance

    • Low grades in school, trouble concentrating or a change in work ethic can come from the cyberbullying itself as well as the anxiety and depression it causes. With so much going on at home, concentrating on even the smallest task can feel overwhelming. This may cause a victim of cyberbullying to feel slow or frustrated. Cyberbullies tend to say harsher words online due to anonymity, and that same anonymity may add to the victim's feeling of being unsafe.

    Death

    • While it may not be as common as other side effects, thoughts or attempts of suicide are a serious outcome of cyberbullying. In 2007, Megan Meiers, 13, of Dardenne Prairie, Mo., became a victim of cyberbullying at the hands of a neighbor. This neighbor's daughter was one of her closest friends and, during one of the teenagers' spats, decided to create a fake account on Facebook. A handful of individuals used the account under the guise of a teenage boy. The online relationship between Megan and her new boyfriend got serious, and the neighbor decided to break it off. Some of the words used during this exchange caused Megan to become distraught. She commited suicide the following day.

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