In today's society, social media is the most used platform for bullying (Stopbullying, 2021). This assault is called cyberbullying, and it involves the user and technology. This tactic is used to harass and threaten others who are online. “Any form of bullying can negatively affect the victim’s well-being, both at the time the bullying occurs and in the future” (Abramson, 2022). The effect of bullying can lead to many issues, like depression and suicide (2022). Those involved suffer from a decline in mental health, which is a growing issue, as well (2022). The internet provides easy access to harass others in this manner. To address cyberbullying on social media, society should enforce stricter rules on these platforms, teach the public about online behavior and digital citizenship, and offer more mental health support for victims.
Cyberbullying needs to be addressed on social media as the platforms need to adapt and change to prevent this trauma (Stopbullying, 2021). This is based on research showing that “The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok” (2021). Educating people online about the effects of cyberbullying and promoting kindness can help encourage users to stand up to bullies and support the ones who are targeted. This intervention has been shown to be effective. When more people are informed about the seriousness of cyberbullying and the support that is provided, the victims are likely to reach out for help (Hinduja & Patchin, 2019b). “Youth should have relationships with parents, teachers, or another adult so they can talk about any experiences they have online that make them upset or uncomfortable” (2019b). Social media companies and educators could work together to develop strategies to prevent cyberbullying by teaching young users about digital safety. This approach could not only stop cyberbullying, but it can also promote respectful and responsible online behavior from people. This collaboration could also help make social media safer for all users. Another intervention would be to spread awareness and encourage users to speak up when they see someone getting bullied online. “This includes not liking, sharing, or reposting hateful posts as to avoid encouraging bad behavior” (Planned Parenthood, 2024). Another way to help prevent cyberbullying is by adding stricter policies to social media. Social Media platforms need things that can detect and remove harmful content so users will not see it. “Instagram and Twitter have tools that report and block abusive behavior. This helps identify and deal with bullies, but the platforms detect abusive behavior primarily by users reports” (Pew Research Center, 2021). “Cyberbullying on social media must be publicly addressed to create more positive and safer social media platforms for everyone” (UNICEF, 2020).
Teaching the public about online behavior, how to act when online, and teaching them about digital citizenship will be helpful for building a respectful and responsible online community. “When you want to teach students how to be good digital citizens, teaching empathy is a great starting point. This is because empathy is crucial to understanding how people talk and behave online” (Hummel, 2024). Educating people about digital citizenship helps individuals understand the responsible use of technology (2024). This education also includes respectful communication, the outcome of cyberbullying, and the use of digital resources (2024). “Digital citizenship programs can help reduce cyberbullying and other online behavior by encouraging kind behavior online” (Hinduja & Patchin, 2019b). These programs can also teach people to understand that their online actions impact others, help to develop critical thinking skills and respond to bullies (Hummel, 2024). Educating people about the risk of sharing too much on the internet could also improve overall digital safety. Today, there are websites that help parents and teachers educate their children about how important it is to know about online safety and how to use the internet correctly (America, 2024). “Conveniently, being a good digital citizen will also mean that you’re being safe with your information, so this is a good thing to teach your children when they first begin to use the internet”(2024). Parents could teach their kids at a young age about online behavior and digital citizenship so that children will be more responsible when on the internet. “The most important preventive step that schools can take is to educate the school community about responsible Internet use” (Planned Parenthood, 2024). Addressing the responsibilities of online safety through digital citizenship education helps prevent harmful behavior but can also improve how people use technology in a more responsible way (2024). “Digital citizenship refers to the responsible use of technology by anyone who uses computers, the internet, and digital devices to engage with society on any level” (Hummel, 2024). These types of programs help educate people on cyberbullying, how the internet plays a big role, and how digital citizenship can foster more positivity and respect for the online environment (2024). Digital citizenship education is one key step forward to a safer and more respectful world.
Providing mental help for the victims who have been affected by cyberbullying could help not only their mental well-being but could also prevent cyberbullying from happening. The victims who have suffered from cyberbullying often suffer from anxiety, depression, and even harming themselves after being cyberbullied (Hinduja & Patchin, 2019a). Mental health challenges like these can lead to isolation and helplessness, which can lead to destructive behaviors or continued victimization. By providing time-like therapy for those who have trauma from cyberbullying and by addressing mental health, health professionals can help with the long-term impacts of cyberbullying (2019a). This intervention could not only help in the recovery of the victims but also reduce them from becoming a threat themselves. Mental health support could also help the victims by restoring their self-worth, which is often destroyed when online harassment has taken place. “Victims who receive mental health support have the ability to manage the impact of cyberbullying, are less impacted, and are more likely to report bullying rather than resort to harmful behaviors” (Hinduja & Patchin, 2018). This method can also be scary for the victims as it encourages them to speak out and seek help, yet it creates a culture of responsibility and support in online communities. When they feel supported and understood, victims are more likely to reach out for help, and sharing with others that there is help out there could help stop cyberbullying (Hinduja & Patchin, 2018). Educating the world about the impacts of cyberbullying, how badly it can harm your mental health, and the importance of mental well-being can create a more supportive and proactive environment (2018). This approach not only addresses the immediate needs of cyberbullying victims but also helps build long-term resilience and prevention. “Providing mental health support will help victims but also prevent cyberbullying and its harmful effects” (UNICEF. (2020).
Addressing the issue of cyberbullying on social media includes applying stricter rules on social media platforms, public education about online behavior and digital citizenship, and mental health support for victims. Social media platforms need to be held responsible by putting strict rules that prevent harassment and quickly deal with hateful behavior. Educating the public about online responsibilities helps individuals be respectful and aware. Additionally, offering mental health support to victims is good not only for their recovery but also for long-term mental health and the prevention of further bullying. Providing mental health, such as counseling and support groups, can help victims cope with the effects of cyberbullying, reducing the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues (Abramson, 2022). ”Because cyber victimization coincides with anxiety and depression, research suggests mental health clinicians and educators should consider interventions that both address adolescents’ online experiences and support their mental, social, and emotional well-being” (2022). By implementing these methods to help prevent cyberbullying, society can create a safer and more supportive online environment, significantly reducing the amount and harm of cyberbullying. Society must recognize the effects of cyberbullying and what it can do to people and take action to protect and support those affected. With efforts from social media companies, educators, and mental health professionals, the world can create a culture of responsibility, leading to a healthier and more respectful online world (Stopbullying, 2021).
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