2. Mental Effects :

When cyberbullying is ongoing, victims may relate to the world around them differently than others. For many, life can feel hopeless and meaningless.

They may lose interest in things they once enjoyed and spend less time interacting with family and friends. And, in some cases, depression and thoughts of suicide can set in.

In this effect, we are majorly discuss about

1. Depression and Anxiety

2. Low Self-Esteem

3. Academic Issues

4. Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harm

1. Depression and Anxiety

Victims of cyberbullying may succumb to anxiety, depression, and other stress-related conditions. The added stress of coping with cyberbullying on a regular basis can steal their feelings of happiness and contentment. It also can increase feelings of worry and isolation.

Research has consistently supported the notion that increasing levels of cyberbullying lead to higher levels of depression. In fact, one study found that 93% of those victimized by cyberbullying reported feelings of sadness, powerlessness, and hopelessness.

2. Low Self-Esteem

Cyberbullying often zeros in on what already makes victims feel most vulnerable. For example, maybe a child who feels insecure about a birthmark ends up being bullied about just that.

Even when that's not the case, though, online bullying can have an impact on Self-Esteem. Targets of bullying may begin to feel intense dissatisfaction with who they are. As a result, they can begin to doubt their worth and value.

Researchers speculate that because young people have an intense psychological need to be part of and accepted by a peer group, cyberbullying may cause psychological maladjustment, reduced well-being, and ultimately low self-esteem.

3. Academic Issues

Kids being victimized by cyberbullying may lose interest in school. As a result, they often have much higher rates of absenteeism than non-bullied kids. They may skip school to avoid facing the kids cyberbullying them or because they are embarrassed and humiliated by the messages that were shared online.

Their grades may also suffer because they find it difficult to concentrate or study. And in some cases, kids may either drop out of school or lose interest in continuing their education after high school.

4. Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harm

Sometimes targets of cyberbullying respond to their intense feelings by harming themselves in some way. For instance, some might engage in self-harm such as cutting or burning themselves. In fact, research has consistently linked bullying and self-harm.

Cyberbullying also increases the risk of suicide. Kids that are constantly tormented by peers through text messages, instant messaging, social media, or apps often begin to feel hopeless and that the only way to relieve the pain is ending their life.

As a result, they may fantasize about dying in order to escape.

That's all for Mental Effects. Now let's talk about Behavioral Effects .

3. Behavioral Effects :

Kids who are cyberbullied may display the same behavioral changes as those who are bullied in more traditional ways. For example, they exhibit a loss of interest in activities and engage in secretive behavior.

In extreme cases, or when cyberbullying is prolonged, kids sometimes even exhibit more significant behavioral changes. These can include:

➡ Using drugs or alcohol:
Kids who are harassed online are more likely to engage in substance abuse. In fact, one study found that targets of cyberbullying were 2.5 times more likely to use marijuana or engage in binge drinking than their peers.

➡ Skipping school:
Sometimes when kids are cyberbullied, the thought of going to school is just more than they can handle. Consequently, it's not uncommon for them to skip school or even behave in such a way that results in suspension. In one survey, those who were cyberbullied reported two or more suspensions or detentions in the prior year.
➡Carrying a weapon:
Even more concerning is the fact that kids who are cyberbullied are more likely to bring a weapon to school. In fact, one survey found that targets of cyberbullying were eight times more likely to have brought a weapon to school in the last 30 days than their peers.