Over 90% of teens in the US believe cyber harassment is a problem.
The excellent resource Cyberbullying and Suicide among Youth – Guide is written by Andrew McKenna, Deputy Director of NCADD (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Inc.)
Headings from the website with some examples:
1. What’s The Connection and How Can Children Get Help?
Bullying has been a problem in schools for centuries and has long been among one of the chief causes of suicide and other mental health issues for victims. The stakes are much higher for cyberbullying victims and their loved ones.
2. Prevalence of Bullying and Cyberbullying Among Teens
Despite widespread interventions on the global, national, and regional scales, bullying and cyberbullying remain consistent public health crises in the United States. Some of the most recent data is listed, e.g. around 80% of teens say that others are cyberbullying because they think it’s funny. There are more key statistics on the site that illustrate the depth of the problem.
3. Bullying, Mental Health and Suicide: A Toxic Correlation
A meta-analysis from the American Academy of Paediatrics indicates that involvement in bullying in any capacity is associated with suicidal ideation and behaviour. Future research should address the mental health implications of bullying involvement to prevent suicidal ideation/behaviour.
While rates of suicide among young people are comparatively rare, data indicates that they are on the rise and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that it’s the second-leading cause of death among adolescents in the United States – and bullying is at the top of the list of causes. Other statistics from the report are described.
Along the way to suicidal ideation, children who are victims of bullying may experience multiple mental health issues, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma and substance use disorder.
4. How Can I Help My Child Stay Safe and Protected?
While it can be difficult to fully insulate children from any degree of bullying or harassment 24/7, you have more power than you realize to intervene. You also have a tremendous amount of power to help your child process, manage and contextualize the harassment they experience or see being visited upon their peers. Some ways a parent can help are described on the site.
Also key to the article are signs to look for if a parent believes that their child is turning to drugs or alcohol to cope with their bullying trauma or to simply “fit in” so they don’t get singled out or harassed. Look for paraphernalia and changes in behaviour and appearance that can indicate drug or alcohol use.
Four signs are listed and what to look for is described on the website.
1. EMOTIONAL SIGNS
2. BEHAVIORAL SIGNS
3. HYGIENIC AND APPEARANCE SIGNS
4. PHYSICAL SIGNS
Without proper intervention, a child’s reliance on alcohol or drugs to cope with trauma can easily turn into substance use disorder. Many who are struggling with addiction cite childhood trauma as a cause of their initial substance use.
Bullying and Mental Health Resources
Preventing bullying and helping kids maintain optimal mental health is everyones’ responsibility. Some valuable resources are described that can help you or a child who is being bullied at school or elsewhere. The resources can be adapted.