Some people have taken over the internet to spread negativity- be it in spreading rumours, posting embarrassing pictures of others without consent, trolling, stalking, sending hurtful messages or threats online or impersonating as someone and defaming them.
This article will throw light on some effects of cyberbullying and how counsellors can help.
Cyberbullying: The effects
As the internet is used by everyone, the effects of cyberbullying have far reaching consequences. What makes it even more distressing is that you may not know who the bully is. Cyberbullying can leave its targets with depression, hopelessness, feeling powerless and lonely, stress, trust issues, fear for their security online, drug abuse or even suicidal ideation. The Blue Whale Challenge of 2015 is one of the most horrifying instances of using the internet for wrong reasons. Cyberbullying is not just limited to its effects on its targets, but it is found that the bullies online themselves experience severe psychological concerns (Nixon, 2014)
How can counsellors help?
The challenge of cyber bullying is to help targets open up about it. Counsellors can help improve openness and accessibility to encourage speaking up about getting bullied online. In cases where children are involved, it is necessary to involve parents in intervention as well. Bringing parents in and educating them about cyberbullying and their reactions to it- many get angered and want reprisal for the damage done to their child- and recommending steps to protect their children from cyberbullying can go a long way. This will provide children with the necessary support and help parents reason and understand how they can help their child.
School counsellors can assist the school with developing plans for preventing and dealing with cyberbullying. School counsellors can also educate students about online ethics and effects of cyberbullying and teach them empathy. Confidential reporting methods can also be developed as many may not want to reveal identities. People can be taught that since this kind of bullying is online, it will leave a digital footprint most of the time and hence, keeping evidence can also help tackle cyberbullying.
The goals of counselling typically involve helping the target cope with the trauma of cyberbullying and to rehabilitate the cyberbully. When dealing with a cyberbully, counsellors first educate them about the consequences of their actions and then work on improving their self-esteem and social skills. Counsellors can also teach impulse control skills, anger management skills and ways to appropriately express feelings. Counsellors may also assess underlying issues that may have led to bullying behaviours. Targets are offered counselling on assertiveness skills, socialization skills, and improving self concept. Counsellors can take individual, groups or family sessions to deal with the problem of cyberbullying (Johnson, 2011).
Not everyone responds to cyberbullying in the same way. Some may be hurt emotionally, while others may not be. Hence, individual differences should be considered while assessing the impact of cyberbullying on people. The impact of cyberbullying does not depend on the event alone but also on how the adolescent responds to the situation. One must also be mindful of the terms we use while addressing people who are dealing with cyberbullying or any kind of bullying. The word ‘victim’ may give a sense of helplessness and a loss of control. Since bullying is a social evil, it takes effort from the society at large to help support people, equip them with the necessary tools to cope and adequate prevention methods to keep bullying at bay.
Reference
Johnson, L. D. (2011). Counselors and cyberbullying: Guidelines for prevention, intervention, and counseling. Retrieved from http://counselingoutfitters.com/vistas/vistas11/Article_63.pdf
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