TAKING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH TO HEART
Online Harassment and Cyberbullying
TAKING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH TO HEART
Online Harassment and Cyberbullying
Author: Stéphanie Deslauriers, psychoeducator
Online harassment, more commonly known as cyberbullying, means using technology to belittle, humiliate, stigmatize, or isolate someone. It can also consist of inciting hate, sharing confidential information, or stealing someone’s identity.
This type of abuse can leave deep psychological scars. It’s been shown that victims of cybercullying experience low self-esteem, increased anxiety, and distrust in their relationships with others, and are more likey to develop symptoms of depression. The violence that’s inflicted may be virtual, but its effects are very real and can impact a person’s professional and personal life for a long time, such as whenever a potential employer runs an online search on them.
Are You a Cyberbully?
How do you know if you’re cyberbully? If you are: why? What need(s) are you trying to meet? Are you looking for attention, respect, friends, control, power? Are you trying to make people laugh?
WHAT TO DO IF YOU, A FRIEND, OR FAMILY MEMBER EXPERIENCES CYBERBULLYING OR ONLINE HARASSMENT
Here’s what to do if you ever you experience online harassment or abuse:
- Leave the environment where the harassment is taking place and inform a trusted adult of the situation
- Block messages from the harasser; never reply to them
- Save the messages in question and send them to your internet or cell phone service providers
- Intervene if you witness your friends being harassed
- Alert the police if the bullying consists of physical threats
- Talk about the experience with a health care professional, such as a family doctor or a psychologist
Source: Sécurité publique du Québec
Helpful resourcesAdopting a healthy approach to online communication will strengthen your relationships, boost your self-esteem, and help you stop looking for happiness and validation in negative behaviour.
NEED TO TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE GOING THROUGH?
Talk to a Tel-Jeunes worker: it’s anonymous, free, and available 24/7