The internet has been able to connect people across the globe successfully. However, it has also allowed bullies to find anonymous ways to abuse people. Teenage students, children and young adults are at a high risk as a lot of their time is spent on the internet sharing photos, playing games, etc. Social media influencers can also fall victim to internet bullying, known as cyberbullying. Keep reading to know more about cyberbullying and how social media addiction amplifies it.

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that takes place online through mobile phones and computers. Bullies constantly humiliate you or threaten to share sensitive information privately or publicly. These bullies may not necessarily be connected to the victim personally. Someone living in a small town in one country can bully a person on the opposite side of the globe.

The driving forces for bullying vary from person to person; however, commonly known reasons include the need to assert dominance over others, feeling of insecurity and powerlessness, etc. With conventional bullying, you usually see the person bullying. In the case of cyberbullying, cybercrime units must intervene to track the IP address trail left by the bully.

Cyberbullying has been around even before social media. Before, online forums and chat rooms were used to spread rumours and post sensitive content. Unlimited access to the internet paired with today’s social media platforms has made cyberbullying a lot easier and more prevalent than before.

Social media is meant to connect people across the globe. Anyone can open a social media account, post content and communicate with friends. These platforms give you the option to keep your data private, i.e., you can choose or deny friend requests from strangers. However, public accounts, where anybody can view your account and see what you share, are vulnerable to cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying can traumatize its victims for a long time. Victims may experience negative emotions that can make them depressed and suicidal. Victims who are students may find it hard to concentrate on their studies. They may also refuse to go to school for fear of being ridiculed by their classmates. They may keep themselves isolated, away from human interactions. They may even start developing trust issues, making it difficult for them to form relationships with others.

If you see signs of cyberbullying, do not confront the bully directly. Report their account on the anti–bullying forum of the social media platform. Do not be afraid to talk to your loved ones.

In the case of children, parents should monitor their child’s screen time. Seek professional help to deal with cyberbullies. Do not shy away from availing of psychological treatment for your child.

Get a cyber insurance policy for you and your family. A cyber insurance policy can cover psychological assistance and treatment costs, school and college relocation charges, and experts’ charges to restore any reputation loss.