The Hidden Dangers of Cyberbullying and Social Media Addiction

As our world becomes increasingly digital, concerns about the impact of social media and cyberbullying on young people’s mental health are growing. The Alberta government recently addressed these concerns by introducing new standards for technology, including a ban on cellphones in class and limitations on social media use. The aim of these standards is to foster greater well-being and focus among students, while discouraging cyberbullying and distractions that could affect their learning.

Alberta’s new policy highlights two questions that are on parents’ and educators’ minds: what are the effects of problematic technology use on youth, namely cyberbullying and social media addiction? And how can we ensure children use technology in a healthy, productive way? Stigma-Free Mental Health is on a mission to help educators and parents provide vital education to enhance students’ social media literacy, reduce cyberbullying, and create an environment that promotes well-being and online safety.

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is a pervasive issue that can have devastating effects on young minds. It can take many forms, including social exclusion and manipulation, harassment, threats, rumor-spreading, and sharing of embarrassing or explicit content. Cyberbullying can occur through digital platforms like social media, text messaging, online forums, and gaming communities. Notably, recent research from Ontario revealed a sharp increase in cyberbullying during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting doctors to urge for more mental health support in schools.

The Impact of Social Media Addiction

In addition to cyberbullying, excessive or harmful social media use can have a negative impact on the mental health of children and teens. Spending too much time on social media, to the point where it leads to a decline in face-to-face interaction, can result in young people feeling lonely or disconnected. This isolation, in turn, may contribute to mental health issues.

Getting adequate sleep is another concern, especially for youth. Using social media – or any technology – before bedtime can lead to poor-quality sleep and fatigue due to blue light exposure. Over time, a lack of sufficient sleep can have adverse effects on mental health.

Maximizing the Benefits and Minimizing Harm

Social media is not inherently harmful for youth. In fact, when used constructively, it can be a powerful tool for connection and peer support, even promoting positive mental health outcomes. The impact of social media on mental health depends on how it is used, which is why educating young people on this topic is so important.

When students learn how to use technology in a way that supports their well-being and that of others, they can enhance the positive effects while minimizing potential harm. Stigma-Free Mental Health offers no-cost resources and lesson plans to help educators teach students these valuable skills.

Resources for Social Media Education and Awareness

Education is key for combatting cyberbullying and harmful social media behaviours. Our Student Mental Health Toolkit offers resources, including lesson plans and downloadable materials, to help students navigate the digital world safely.

Access our no-cost resources below and start implementing them in your classroom this school year:

 

Tips for Parents and Educators to Encourage Healthy Technology Use

Parents and educators play a crucial role in addressing cyberbullying and problematic social media use among youth. If you are concerned about the impact of technology on your students’ or children’s mental wellness, the American Psychological Association (APA) offers guidelines for healthy technology use. Here are a few helpful tips:

1. Encourage Friendship and Support Through Social Media

The APA recommends guiding youth to use social media in a way that facilitates new peer relationships and deepens friendships. Social media can be an avenue for youth to connect with others, especially for those facing adversity or stress. Young people may improve their well-being by interacting online with peers who provide them with support and encourage positive behaviours.

2. Consider Both Autonomy and Boundaries

For youth in their pre-teen or early teen years, the APA recommends having open conversations about the type of media they are consuming and setting limits when needed. As children grow older, parents can offer more freedom as they develop knowledge of healthy social media practices. Adjust the level of monitoring based on the child’s age, and provide supervision while respecting independence.

3. Be Aware of Problematic Behaviours

Be on the lookout for signs of excessive or harmful screentime that may result in unhealthy behaviours, such as:

  • Social media use leading to inadequate sleep or physical activity
  • Spending so much time online that it interferes with offline social activities
  • Negatively comparing oneself to others online

Recognizing these signs can help you ensure that your child is using technology in a safe and healthy way. This also provides an opportunity for you to teach your child about problematic use and how to recognize it themselves.

By educating youth and creating a culture of kindness and inclusivity in schools, we can prevent social media addiction and cyberbullying, creating a supportive environment for students both online and offline. To learn more about our mental health education initiatives, explore our Stigma-Free School Program.

By: Monique Zizzo

 

References:

“Did the pandemic make us mean?”: Ontario researcher looks at rise of cyberbullying. (2023, April 20). CTV News.
Limiting distractions in Alberta’s classrooms | Limiter les distractions dans les salles de classe de l’Alberta. alberta.ca. Government of Alberta. (2024, June 17).
Health advisory on social media use in adolescence. (2023, May). American Psychological Association.
Social media can alter children’s brains and impact mental health: neuroscientist. (2024, March 29). CTV News.

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