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Cyberbullying linked to depression, anxiety in teenagers─── 13:03 Mon, 24 Feb 2020
Adolescents who experience cyberbullying are at an increased risk for a wide range of mental and physical health problems like depression and anxiety.
This is according to a 2017 study by American Academy of Pediatrics.
The organisation analysed a number of studies on the relationship between social media and teen mental health.
As South Africa shines the spotlight on mental health with Teen Suicide Prevention Week from February 16-23, young people face more threats from social media usage. Through social media platforms, teenagers are at risk of cyberbullying.
The study also found that general internet use and being a victim of cyberbullying are both associated with more self-injurious behaviours.
South African teenagers are active users of social media and are also at risk of cyberbullying.
A survey by the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that over 40% of teenagers aged between 13 and 18 years had experienced some form of cyberbullying.
