PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Online harassment, or cyberbullying, is a growing problem for children and adolescents. As many as four out of 10 adolescents report they have been cyberbullied at some point in their lives.
Studies have shown that effects associated with cyberbullying include lower self esteem, poorer metal health, diminished academic performance and a higher risk of suicide. Of course, much of this depends on the type of bullying and the pattern.
However, one of the major concerns is that the harassment can occur any time of day or night, and it can be far reaching and long lasting.
No form of bullying should be tolerated, but child psychiatrists say the psychological impact on kids can be greater than that of physical abuse.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.