Taiwan
Resources - Bullying
(中文) Social media platforms provide the primary environment where cyberbullying occurs. We will be attempting to collect some information resources both on cyberbullying as an issue, and potential approaches on how to address it.
Cited reasons for how social media and the internet compounds the impact of bullying:
1. Accessibility and Anonymity
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Accessibility: Social media allows people to connect instantly and share content widely, making it easy for bullies to target others.
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Anonymity: Many platforms allow users to create anonymous accounts, emboldening bullies to harass others without fear of repercussions.
2. Amplification of Harm
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Viral Potential: Social media allows harmful messages, images, or videos to spread rapidly, increasing the emotional damage to the victim.
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Permanent Record: Unlike face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying leaves a digital footprint that can persist, causing long-term emotional distress.
3. 24/7 Nature
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Victims can be targeted at any time, making it difficult to escape the harassment. Unlike traditional bullying, which is often limited to certain settings like school, social media makes the harassment constant.
4. Psychological Impact
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Cyberbullying on social media has been linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation among victims.
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The public nature of social media exacerbates feelings of humiliation and helplessness.
5. Bystander Effect and Peer Dynamics
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Bystanders: Social media enables bystanders to witness bullying, which can either fuel the behavior (through likes, shares, or comments) or provide opportunities for intervention.
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Peer Pressure: Some individuals may engage in cyberbullying to gain social approval or maintain group status.
How Well Do We Understand the Long-Term Health Implications of Childhood Bullying?
Harvard Review of Psychiatry (2017)
(中文) Summary:
The paper "How Well Do We Understand the Long-Term Health Implications of Childhood Bullying?" published in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry examines how bullying during childhood can have lasting effects on physical and mental health. The study highlights bullying as a chronic stressor that can contribute to significant health risks, such as increased susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases, metabolic issues, and psychological disorders later in life.
One key concept discussed is allostatic load, which refers to the cumulative wear and tear on the body due to chronic stress. This can disrupt biological processes like inflammation regulation and gene expression, potentially leading to long-term health complications. The researchers found that bullying victims, particularly those exposed to prolonged victimization, experience weakened resilience and are at higher risk for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. For instance, male victims of bullying were found to be 18 times more likely to experience suicidal ideation, while female victims had a significantly higher risk of developing panic disorders.
The study emphasizes the need for integrating education on the effects of bullying and stress management into school curriculums to mitigate these long-term effects. The researchers advocate for a biopsychosocial approach to understand the intricate relationship between bullying and health outcomes, urging further longitudinal research in this area to better understand the full scope of its impact
BBC Article: "The Nordic Way to Stop Bullying"
Summary:
The article "The Best Way to Stop Bullying" explores the profound impact of bullying on children's mental and physical health while highlighting effective strategies to combat it. Bullying, once dismissed as a character-building experience, is now recognized as a serious violation of children's rights with lasting consequences. Studies show that bullying victims face a higher risk of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, panic disorders, and suicidal ideation, along with long-term social and economic challenges.
A pivotal finding discussed is the link between childhood bullying and elevated inflammation levels in adulthood, which can lead to chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This underscores the need for early intervention to prevent lifelong harm.
The article highlights the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, which tackles bullying by reshaping the entire school culture. The program trains all school staff to recognize and address bullying, establishes clear behavioral expectations, and encourages student-led discussions on bullying. Studies show it significantly reduces bullying cases and fosters empathy among students.
Parents and caregivers also play a crucial role. The article emphasizes proactive communication with children about their social experiences and urges adults to take their concerns seriously. Engaging with schools to ensure a safe environment is essential.
In conclusion, the article calls for widespread adoption of evidence-based anti-bullying programs, emphasizing that addressing bullying is a moral imperative with far-reaching health benefits for future generations.