Cyberbullying and Mental Health Nannette Funderburk Ph D

Cyberbullying and Mental Health Nannette Funderburk, Ph. D

Cyberbullying Video Power. Plugs Templates for Power. Point Preview 2

Cyberbully “Coke Bottle” Story Power. Plugs Templates for Power. Point Preview 3

What Is Cyberbullying • Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. • Cyberbullying can occur through text and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Power. Plugs Templates for Power. Point Preview 4

Cyberbullying Tactics • Posting comments or rumors about someone online that are mean, hurtful, or embarrassing. • Threatening to hurt someone or telling them to kill themselves. • Posting a mean or hurtful picture or video. • Pretending to be someone else online in order to solicit or post personal or false information about someone else. Power. Plugs Templates for Power. Point Preview 5

The Teen Brain • Is not fully mature – Physical size may be at its maximum but full maturity is not. • Maturity in terms of reasoning, impulse control, planning, and prioritizing, does not occur until early to mid 20 s. Power. Plugs Templates for Power. Point Preview 6

Warning Signs a Child is Being Cyberbullied or is Cyberbullying Others • Noticeable increases or decreases in device use, including texting. • A child exhibits emotional responses (laughter, anger, upset) to what is happening on their device. • A child hides their screen or device when others are near, and avoids discussion about what they are doing on their device. Power. Plugs Templates for Power. Point Preview 7

Warning Signs a Child is Being Cyberbullied or is Cyberbullying Others • Social media accounts are shut down or new ones appear. • A child starts to avoid social situations, even those that were enjoyed in the past. • A child becomes withdrawn or depressed, or loses interest in people and activities. Power. Plugs Templates for Power. Point Preview 8

Impact of Cyberbullying • Increased smoking, drinking, or using drugs. • Cyberbullying associated with symptoms of depression, dissociation, and anger. • Bullying is linked to poorer academic performance. • Increased anxiety which could lead to avoidance of environments where bullies are likely to be (school, extracurricular activities) • Mental health disorders - Anxiety Disorders, Depression, PTSD Power. Plugs Templates for Power. Point Preview 9

What NOT To Say to the Bullied Teen • Ignore it • Don’t worry about it • Fight fire with fire (Get even, get revenge) Power. Plugs Templates for Power. Point Preview 10

What to Do Instead Power. Plugs Templates for Power. Point Preview 11

What to Do Instead • Teach resilience! • Get connected to people, teams, clubs and organizations. • Discuss how change happens in life, and it can be good even if it’s unsettling at first. Power. Plugs Templates for Power. Point Preview 12

What to do Instead • Support them through this and help them to not give up. • Learn from the bad times. After you’ve gone through a crisis you will have learned new skills. • Review with them what worked and what didn’t • What should you do or not do next time? • Help them to face their problems. • Think through the situation with them. • Help them to see where their fears are getting the best of them and then help them to think through the situation rationally. Power. Plugs Templates for Power. Point Preview 13

What if My Child is the Bully? • Provide a meaningful consequence – • Loss of phone/internet privileges for a specified amount of time. • Make it right • Monitor the situation Power. Plugs Templates for Power. Point Preview 14