Cyberbullying In Middle School

Middle school is a transitional period where students are going through many changes physically and emotionally that affect their well being. They are breaking away from the comforts of elementary school and are transitioning into young adults with more responsibility and independence than before. It is also a time where many adolescents are learning about themselves and are experiencing new emotions and may face periods of insecurity and low self esteem. New forms of online bullying have become worrisome for today’s middle schoolers, teachers, and parents. Cyber bullying which occurs online and on various social media platforms has been linked to negative affects on adolescents mental health and behavior. Cyber bullying has become a new challenge

It can be extremely damaging to young adolescents. Many middle schoolers are already going through new changes that may be stressful, their bodies are changing as they go through puberty and they are starting to care more about their appearance. They are also experiencing new emotional changes and many face feelings of low self esteem and insecurities throughout these years. They are also experiencing new social changes and pressures and are very prone to displaying strong emotions. They also may face new frustrations and feelings of anxiety as they go through hormonal changes. Many are also concerned about the opinion and acceptance of their peers. Cyber bullying which may be visible to others online can be very hard on a young adolescent. It has an affect on the mental health adolescents. Cyber bullying can become a serious stressor on students in middle school. “Adolescents who are targeted via cyber bullying report increased depressive affect, anxiety, loneliness, suicidal behavior and somatic symptoms.” (Nixon, 2014, pg. 145) News stories recently have covered reports on suicide of middle schoolers who took their own life due to the trauma of cyber bullying. Many argue that cyber bullying may have connection to thoughts about suicide. “The results revealed that both targets and perpetrators of cyberbullying were more likely to think about suicide, as well as attempt suicide when compared to

There may also be ways to help limit or prevent cyberbullying from occurring. Nixon argues that health care professionals, educators, and parents should all work together to help prevent cyberbullying and to help those who are targeted by it. (Nixon, 2014, pg. 150) Many victims of cyberbullying are scared to tell someone. This may be due to feelings of embarrassment or lack of faith that anyone can help end the bullying. It is important to show adolescents that there is always someone they can talk to. Whether it be a family member, friend, guidance counselor, or teacher. Schools should make students aware of what services are available to them in the school and let them know there are people willing to listen and help. In schools it is important for teachers to maintain a positive learning environment for all students. Teachers should try to create classrooms where all students address each other with respect and step in when bullying is recognized. Schools or communities can also offer prevention programs. Programs may show students how to use the internet safely or the effects cyberbullying has on others. Many argue that schools should also have monitoring programs to help detect cyberbullying and help prevent it. (Nixon, 2014, pg. 151) Limiting internet use for adolescents may also help limit their chances of getting cyberbullying as there is an