How Cyberbullying Affects School Students - By Seema Khanna

This content discusses the serious effects of cyberbullying on school students. , Oct-07-2024

How Cyberbullying Affects School Students

Cyberbullying is one of the most alarming issues in today’s digital world, especially for school students who are more vulnerable to online harassment. The rise of social media, messaging apps, and online gaming platforms has made it easier for bullies to target their peers. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can happen 24/7 and in the privacy of a student’s home, making it harder to escape.

Seema Khanna, an experienced educationist and current principal, has observed the growing prevalence of cyberbullying and its harmful impact on students' emotional, mental, and academic well-being. Drawing from her years of experience in guiding students and parents, Seema offers valuable insights into this pressing issue.

Emotional and Mental Health Effects of Cyberbullying

• Increased Anxiety and Stress: Victims of cyberbullying often feel anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed. The constant fear of being bullied online can make them feel unsafe and restless, leading to increased stress levels. According to Seema Khanna, "When students face harassment through digital platforms, they are constantly on edge, affecting their emotional balance."
• Depression and Feelings of Isolation: Seema points out that many students who are cyberbullied experience depression and feelings of isolation. Unlike physical bullying, where there may be some form of respite, cyberbullying often follows the victim everywhere due to the omnipresence of digital devices. Victims may withdraw from social interactions, both online and offline, feeling hopeless and isolated.
• Low Self-Esteem and Confidence: Hurtful messages, comments, or images shared publicly can deeply damage a student’s self-esteem. Cyberbullying can make students doubt their self-worth, leading to long-term self-esteem issues. Seema Khanna emphasizes the lasting emotional scars this leaves on young minds, as victims often start believing the negative comments made about them online.
• Suicidal Thoughts: In extreme cases, continuous cyberbullying has been linked to suicidal thoughts among students. The relentless harassment can push some students to the edge, where they feel the only way to escape is through drastic measures. "Students who face cyberbullying over prolonged periods can feel utterly helpless," Seema warns, stressing the importance of intervention and support.

Academic Consequences of Cyberbullying

• Drop in Academic Performance: Students who are victims of cyberbullying often experience a significant drop in their academic performance. The emotional and mental toll taken by cyberbullying affects their concentration, focus, and ability to complete assignments or participate in class. Seema Khanna notes that students may skip school or avoid online learning platforms, fearing further harassment.
• Increased Absenteeism: Seema highlights that many victims of cyberbullying start avoiding school altogether. Anxiety and fear of encountering their bullies, whether in person or online, can lead to a higher rate of absenteeism. "Cyberbullying takes place outside of school, but its effects are felt within the school walls," she adds.

Social and Behavioral Effects of Cyberbullying

• Withdrawal from Social Activities: Victims of cyberbullying often withdraw from social activities and stop engaging with their friends and peers. They may fear ridicule or further bullying if they interact with others. Seema explains that this withdrawal can lead to a vicious cycle, where students become more isolated and vulnerable to additional online harassment.
• Aggressive or Unusual Behavior: In some cases, students who are bullied online may react with aggressive behavior, lashing out at others due to the emotional pain they are experiencing. Others may develop unusual behaviors, such as becoming more secretive about their online interactions. Seema Khanna warns that both victims and aggressors of cyberbullying need counseling to cope with their emotions in healthier ways.

Seema Khanna’s Approach to Addressing Cyberbullying

Seema Khanna believes that the key to combating cyberbullying lies in open communication and education. She encourages parents, teachers, and schools to take proactive measures to identify and address instances of cyberbullying before they escalate.

• Educating Students on Cyber Etiquette: Seema advocates for educating students about the importance of online etiquette. "Students must understand the weight of their words and actions online. What may seem like a joke to one person can deeply hurt someone else," she says.
• Open Communication Channels: Seema stresses the need for students to have safe spaces where they can talk about their online experiences. Schools should foster an environment where students feel comfortable reporting instances of cyberbullying. "Students should never feel alone in dealing with this issue," Seema advises.
• Parental Involvement: "Parents play a crucial role in monitoring their children's online activities," Seema adds. She encourages parents to keep an eye on their children’s social media usage, understand the risks, and talk openly with them about how to stay safe online.

Conclusion

Cyberbullying has far-reaching effects on school students, impacting their emotional, mental, academic, and social well-being. With proper guidance from educationists like Seema Khanna, schools, parents, and students can work together to create a safer digital environment. By recognizing the signs of cyberbullying early and promoting a culture of kindness and respect online, we can protect students from the harmful consequences of online harassment.