Can Cyberbullying Cause Mental Health Epidemic In Youngsters?
Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can be relentless, anonymous, and inescapable, happening 24/7 and often without adults noticing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises cyberbullying as a major psychosocial hazard.
Can Cyberbullying Cause Mental Health Epidemic In Youngsters?
The digital age has revolutionised how youngsters communicate, but it has also introduced a disturbing new threat, cyberbullying. With increasing internet access and smartphone use among teenagers in India, incidents of online harassment are on the rise. According to a 2023 UNESCO report, 1 in 3 children globally has experienced some form of cyberbullying. In India, platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and gaming apps have become hotspots for toxic digital behaviour. Mental health experts now warn that if left unchecked, cyberbullying could escalate into a mental health epidemic, causing long-term emotional damage, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal tendencies in vulnerable youth.
Why cyberbullying may become the next mental health crisis
Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can be relentless, anonymous, and inescapable, happening 24/7 and often without adults noticing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises cyberbullying as a major psychosocial hazard. Its effects aren’t just temporary; they can disrupt brain development, self-esteem, and social confidence, and severely impact the overall well-being of children and adolescents.
1. It causes deep emotional trauma
Youngsters targeted online often feel isolated, humiliated, and unsafe, even in their own homes. This constant stress can lead to depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress symptoms, as per the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
2. It raises risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts
Cyberbullying victims are nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide, as found in a meta-analysis by JAMA Paediatrics. The psychological weight of online shaming, exclusion, or threats can be overwhelming for adolescents, whose coping mechanisms are still developing.
3. It affects sleep and academic performance
Victims often report sleep disturbances, nightmares, and a lack of focus. According to a 2022 study in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, cyberbullying negatively impacts academic performance and increases school absenteeism among Indian students.
4. It promotes body image issues and eating disorders
Girls, in particular, face body-shaming, appearance-based ridicule, and comparison culture online. This fosters body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and low self-worth, especially during their formative teenage years, a pattern echoed in WHO’s adolescent mental health guidelines.
5. It normalises aggression among peers
Repeated exposure to online hate, trolling, and targeted memes can desensitise teens and make verbal aggression seem socially acceptable. This normalisation contributes to toxic digital cultures and deteriorates empathy in peer groups.
6. It undermines trust and communication with parents
Many teenagers hesitate to report cyberbullying due to fear of being judged or having their devices taken away. This silence only deepens emotional distress and widens the parent-child communication gap, which is critical for mental health monitoring.
7. It causes digital addiction and escapism
Ironically, those being bullied online may spend more time on digital platforms, looking for validation or trying to monitor the bullying. This fosters screen dependency, social withdrawal, and dopamine-driven emotional imbalance.
Cyberbullying is more than just an unpleasant aspect of digital life, it’s an urgent mental health issue. As schools, parents, and platforms fail to address it effectively, we risk facing a generational crisis in mental health. Protecting youngsters requires awareness, emotional education, better laws, and strong digital boundaries. Silence is not a solution, compassionate dialogue is the first defence.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
