In our contemporary digital reality, the specter of cyberbullying looms large, Nearly half of American adolescents (46%) have been subjected to the emotional load of  cyberbullying at some point in their lives. According to a new and elaborate study carried out by the Pew Research Center, a staggering 46% of American teenagers aged 13 to 17 have fallen victim to cyberbullying in one form or another. Name-calling standing as the predominant form of harassment, with 32% reporting derogatory epithets hurled their way online or via their cell phones. Worse still, 22% have had to deal with the dissemination of false rumors online, and 17% have been the target of unsolicited sexually explicit photographs. 

Prominent experts in the sphere of digital safety have called for action in response to these alarming numbers, which demonstrate how widespread this social anomaly is. Prominent social media specialist Danah Boyd warns that cyberbullying may cause long-term psychological damage, emphasizing the severity of the problem. Keeping up with this insidious socio-digital menace requires constant vigilance and aggressive actions given that the digital world is constantly evolving and fluctuating.

What is Digital Bullying and What are The Known Types ? 

Definition

The term “cyberbullying” describes the intentional, targeted and persistent use of electronic mediums, particularly smartphones, to threaten, intimidate, or harass another person. The perpetrators typically aim to humiliate or upset their targets by sending them aggressive, threatening, or disparaging communications via electronic communication. Unlike traditional direct forms of bullying, cyberbullying can occur anytime and anywhere, making it difficult for victims to avoid.

Types of Cyberbullying 

Online Harassment: occurs when someone repeatedly sends a person insulting or threatening communications via various electronic means such as social media, email, or text message.

Flaming: refers to fighting or arguing with someone online using violent and nasty words, often in public digital spaces like comment sections or forums.

Online Denigration: often takes the form of spreading false claims about another person in an effort to lower their social or professional status.

Exclusion: The act of purposefully removing another person from a social group, circle, or activity, or of spreading falsehoods about them in order to isolate them socially, is known as exclusion.

Outing: is intentionally disclosing private information about another person online, such as a picture, video, or private message, without their permission in order to shame or humiliate them.

Impersonation: Making a false social media account in order to parody or imitate another person, often by publishing defamatory or deceptive material under their name, is known as impersonation.

Cyberstalking: The term “cyberstalking” refers to the practice of harassing, threatening, or otherwise assaulting another person in an online setting in order to induce fear or discomfort.

Cyberthreats: The term “cyberthreats” refers to the practice of threatening physical damage or psychological distress to a person or group via electronic communication.

The Psychological Toll of Cyberbullying

Anxiety and depression: The persistent threats and harassment that cyberbullying victims endure may amplify their feelings of anxiety and depression. Given that cyberbullying often goes unchecked, victims may start to feel worthless and despairing.

Low Self-Esteem: Feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty might set in when cyberbullying erodes a person’s self-esteem. Negative feedback and remarks made about them might make them feel even worse about themselves and make them doubt their abilities.

Social Isolation: Victims of cyberbullying may avoid interacting with others, whether online or in person, out of concern that they will be the target of more abuse or mockery. Victims may find it much more challenging to reach out for help when they are alone, which may heighten their feelings of alienation and loneliness.

Academic and Behavioral Problems: Anxiety and stress brought on by cyberbullying may have negative effects on a victim’s conduct and grades. The psychological toll of the harassment may cause them to act out in disruptive ways, have trouble sleeping, or have trouble concentrating.

Suicidal Ideation and Behavior: In extreme circumstances, cyberbullying has the potential to trigger suicidal thoughts and behaviors. As a last resort, victims of cyberbullying may consider or even attempt self-harm due to the overwhelming sense of helplessness and confinement that such incidents may evoke.

Offline Solutions: Counteracting Cyberbullying Through Diverse Activities 

Outdoors Exploration 

Get the kids out of the house and on bikes, hikes, or other outdoor activities. Reducing susceptibility to cyberbullying, spending time in nature may help bring forth feelings of peace and perspective.

Arts and Crafts

Let kids go and let their imaginations run wild with arts and crafts activities. Expressing oneself creatively via sketching, sculpting, painting kits such as ‘Alpaca paint by numbers,’ or hand-made crafts can help alleviate stress and emotions, which in turn helps strengthen resilience while dealing with cyberbullying. 

Engaging in “paint by numbers” activities specifically can serve as a therapeutic distraction and provide a positive focus, allowing children to momentarily step away from digital stresses and immerse themselves in a peaceful artistic endeavor. This can be particularly beneficial in building emotional fortitude and providing a safe, constructive outlet for feelings.

Sports 

Involve kids in sports and other physical activities to help them develop important life skills like discipline, teamwork, and fitness. Participating in physical exercise, whether as an individual or as part of a team, may improve one’s sense of strength and self-esteem.

Community Service & Volunteering

Inspire your kids to get involved in service programs that benefit their local communities. Helping others and doing acts of kindness may help people develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of purpose, which might make it easier for them to handle hostility online.

Literature and Reading

Give kids plenty of opportunities to read and write by setting up storytelling sessions, giving them access to periodicals, and other reading materials. Helping youngsters develop empathy and critical thinking abilities via reading equips them to handle the intricacies of internet interactions.

Spending Time with Loved Ones

Make in-person meetings and deep discussion a top priority when planning your social calendar. One way to combat the feelings of isolation and loneliness brought on by cyberbullying is to surround oneself with supportive people in real life.

In a nutshell, cyberbullying stands as a serious socio-digital anomaly with  lasting consequences, but there is hope. By encouraging teens to engage in offline activities like spending time in nature, expressing themselves creatively through meditative painting kits such as ‘paint by numbers cardinals’, participating in sports, volunteering, reading, and simply spending time with loved ones, we can help them build resilience and navigate the complexities of the online world.