Cyberbullying has been a major issue for teens since the words “social media” were first heard. Cyberbullying has given so much more power to bullies than they ever had before. Victims of cyberbullying are not safe when they leave school. They are not safe in their own homes, and since they find no security, many victims find the only escape as suicide. However, some think that the victims of cyberbullying are exaggerating their misfortune and being dramatic by committing suicide. This opinion is uncivil and disrespectful to the victims of cyberbullying suicide.
Cyberbullying is exactly what it sounds like: online harassment. According to TeensHealth, “Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person. Online threats and mean, aggressive, or rude texts, tweets, posts, or messages all count.” Although cyberbullying may seem simple and dismissive to some, it is actually much deeper than just a single unnecessary comment on a person’s social media post. Cyberbullying can be persistent, aggressive, violent, and very demeaning to one’s mental health and emotional state.
As internet use has become increasingly more popular, cyberbullying has escalated hugely, and now, it is more common than in-person bullying. Explore Learning says, “An overwhelming number of children aged 8-17 have experienced online bullying, which is now becoming more common than face-to-face bullying.” Cyberbullies are more common for a number of reasons, and unsurprisingly, confidence has a lot to do with it. Cyberbullies get the sense that there are no consequences to their actions, because they are anonymous, hidden behind a screen. They have a new sense of security they would not have had in person, and this sense of safety gives them the courage to say and do things they normally would not have tried.
When someone is bullied in person, they can usually find safety in their own homes. But when it comes to cyberbullying, going home is no longer an escape. When already-stressed teens are cyberbullied, they tend to find themselves thinking the only way out is suicide. Suicide Prevention Resource Center says, “…Youth victims of cyberbullying are at increased risk for self-harm and suicidal behaviors. Researchers found that children and young people under age 25 who were victims of cyberbullying were more than twice as likely to engage in self-harm and suicidal behaviors than their non-victim peers. The findings also indicated that perpetrators of cyberbullying were at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.” Cyberbullying has immensely detrimental effects on one’s mental state.
Suicide from cyberbullying is arguably understandable. People mostly only commit suicide when they find themselves feeling trapped, with no escape. So they find the only escape they can think of. Suicide. Health says, “Suicide is complicated and is often due to many factors working together. A history of trauma, life challenges, and mental illness can all make someone more likely to die by suicide.” The human person is driven almost completely by emotions. They act from emotions, they live because of emotions, and they can die at the hand of their emotions. This is not ostentatious.
However, some think this reaction is dramatic and unnecessary. There is always another solution, and in this case, any solution would be better. Talking it out and finding a better solution is sometimes an answer to the expanding problem of suicide. Many have explored the ideas of rational and irrational suicide. But the person at risk is the only person who can explain their reasoning. This theory is offensive to those who have committed suicide, driven by cyberbullying. It is disrespectful to those who spent their living moments struggling with their will to live, only to be told they are overreacting and dramatic.
Suicide is a complicated matter. It can be rational or irrational, but it is always a tragedy. It can most definitely be explained, and it is understandable. Pressure is a stronger force than many assume, and it can lead to terrible devastation. Suicide from cyberbullying is a major problem that is only increasing over the years. If a loved one is considering suicide, make sure to get them proper assistance. For help from a professional, please go to Find A Helpline.
