Cyber Bullying is a relatively new concept and unfortunately is increasing with teens today. Even worse is that recent articles and studies demonstrate evidence that teen victims of cyber or electronic bullying are more likely to face depression than those of traditional bullying.
Some dramatic differences exist between the more standard bulling and electronic bulling that play a role in the increased risk of teen depression. One of the key differences between the two is in the fact that the teen involved with cyber bullying may not even be able to recognize their tormentor, creating a greater sense of isolation and helplessness at the time of the attack. Traditional bullying often occurs face-to-face instead of through electronic means and as such both parties’ identities are known.
Another difference between the two is that traditional bullying is often more localized opposed to cyber bullying. Popular sites such as facebook and myspace; where the audience potential is extremely wide and the victim does not know how many people can ‘witness’ the event; can turn a simple text message or photo into a viral phenomenon that will have a tremendous impact on the victim. The mere ‘unknowing’ aspect of the incident can increase the risk of teen depression through self-doubt and paranoia.
A third difference is that electronic bullying does not conform to age and identity boundaries like more traditional bullying does. Since cyber bullying is through electronic means, the victim does not witness their tormentor and people are able to make up ages and even their gender to ‘befriend’ the victim. This leads to an increase risk of teen depression once the deceit is known and trust is broken.
In 2006, a teen in Missouri committed suicide because of electronic bullying, the tormentor pretending to befriend the teen girl with a fictitious personality -a young teen boy- only to later insult the teen and end the relationship, effectively “dumping” her. Unfortunately, teen girls and depression manifest themselves differently in today’s culture and this incident ended with the girl taking her own life.
Cyber bullying; as a new form of harassment; has created many states to institute new legislation, especially in schools, to broaden the scope of anti-bullying policies to include electronic bullying as a listed offense. What is not clear is how far reaching cyber bullying has gone. Some teens do not talk about the incident for fear of “snitching” while others may be in fear of losing their computer / cell phone, still others may not even realize they are victims of cyber bullying.
Currently, education of this new teen dilemma appears to be the best course of action for both parents and teens regardless if they are the victim or the tormentor. In addition, being vigilant with teens when noticing signs of teen depression is an integral, and needed, part of assisting teens get through their adolescents years the best they can.
