By Vrtreena Jenkins, BS Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Women in Technology Club President 2023-2024

In today's digital age, the internet has revolutionized the way we connect, share, and communicate with the world. Conversely, it has also given rise to a concerning issue – cyberbullying. What many may not consider is that cyberbullying is very interconnected to cybersecurity. Sure, when we hear cybersecurity, we tend to think of the usual topics such as internet fraud, hacking, identity theft, and vulnerability. I’ve never heard anyone refer to cyberbullying as an aspect – or even a conversational topic – related to and intertwined with cybersecurity.

It should be.

Cyberbullying is a form of harassment, humiliation, and/or intimidation that takes place online. It can manifest through various mediums, such as social media, texting, email, or other digital platforms. This online cruelty knows no boundaries, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.  There are different types of actions that may stem from this. Rudeness (usually unintentional) and meanness (usually intentional) both typically have one occurrence that may or may not be random, whereas cyberbullying is very targeted, intentional, and repeated.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter-in-place recommendations from local authorities, the internet became THE place to be for work, education, e-commerce, and social gatherings. It reshaped our definition of “normal” at a record speed. Along with the heavy demands to adapt to societal changes, our collective experience of the pandemic instilled panic, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I personally witnessed changes in people that I knew, and with society in general. There seemed to be a lack of cordiality, a disconnect, and a growing impatience that bordered on hostility. These things, when coupled with various life changes, caused people to lash out.

Shifts in attitudes, behaviors, and interpersonal relationships brought the rise of cyberbullying on all fronts. And from that comes the most devastating consequence and heartbreaking outcome - suicide.

The Digital Dilemma

On October 18, 2023, I attended a webinar entitled, “Issues of Cyberbullying in Today’s Modern World” hosted by Jake Wilson of Western Governors University featuring Tina Meier, Founder and Executive Director of the Megan Meier Foundation. Tina Meier is an amazing woman that shared the cautionary tale of her late daughter, Megan. Megan was a beautiful, bright young woman whose life was affected by cyberbullying and ultimately cut short by self-harm (suicide). I sat transfixed as Ms. Meier relayed the statistics of suicide. Did you know that suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S and the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24? I didn’t. She went on to describe Megan’s timeline and the series of events that lead to her passing. Tina went on to share her experience as the parent of a pained teenager and what parents should look out for when trying to protect their children.

Bullying is maliciously seeking to harm, intimidate, or coerce someone (usually perceived as vulnerable) repeatedly. Too often, bullying is dismissed or diminished as simply “something kids do” or as something that everyone must deal with in adolescence. Feelings that may increase a person’s suicide risk may include but are not limited to hopelessness, loneliness, pain (physical and/or mental), and helplessness. What may cause a person to become a bully? Ignorance, bias, prejudice, racism, discrimination, learned behaviors through experiencing similar traumatic life events (abuse), and the list goes on.

The Link Between Cyberbullying and Suicide

The relationship between cyberbullying and suicide is both complex and distressing. Research has shown that victims of cyberbullying are more likely to experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. These emotional struggles can sometimes escalate to suicidal ideation and actions. When individuals feel confined, humiliated, and helpless due to online harassment, they may see suicide as their only escape from the pain.

The anonymity of the internet can embolden cyberbullies to be vicious and unrelenting than they might be in face-to-face interactions. The relentless nature of cyberbullying means that victims are often unable to escape the torment, as it follows them into their homes and other places of safety via their devices.

The Impact on Mental Health

Cyberbullying has a profound impact on the mental health of its victims. The incessant attacks can lead to feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and despair. The constant fear of encountering the bullies online can disrupt sleep patterns and cause anxiety which affect daily life. Over time, these cumulative stressors can contribute to the development of severe mental health conditions, ultimately pushing individuals towards suicidal thoughts or actions.

Preventing Cyberbullying and Its Tragic Consequences

The battle against cyberbullying and its devastating consequences is a collective effort that involves individuals, communities, and institutions. Here are some essential steps to address this issue:

• Education and Awareness: Promote awareness about the signs of cyberbullying and its potential consequences. Encourage open dialogues about the problem at home, in schools, and within the community. Spread awareness through free, accessible resources.
• Reporting Mechanisms: Ensure that there are clear, accessible reporting mechanisms for victims and bystanders to report cyberbullying. Encourage platforms to take reports seriously and address them promptly.
• Empowerment: Educate parents, teachers, students, and communities about the signs of cyberbullying and its mental health impacts. It's essential to teach responsible and empathetic online behavior. This includes understanding the impact of their online presence, the importance of reporting any inappropriate behavior, and the option of blocking numbers/profiles/digital accounts in order to limit exposure to bullying.
• Support Systems: Establish support systems for individuals experiencing cyberbullying, including counseling services, peer support groups, and helplines. Creating a culture of open dialogue and implementing safe spaces where individuals feel safe to share their experiences and seek help is paramount.
• Legal Measures: Advocate, develop, and implement stricter regulations and policies within online platforms to prevent and address cyberbullying. Technology companies have a responsibility to create safer online environments and tools for reporting and intervention.
• Parental Involvement: Encourage parents to be actively involved in their children's online activities, set boundaries, and foster open communication about any issues they may face. Make sure that they understand their role in ignoring and/or participating in any bullying.

The tragic link between suicide and cyberbullying is a stark reminder of the destructive potential of online harassment. The internet has become a vital part of our lives, but it's crucial that we use it responsibly and promote a culture of kindness and empathy online. By raising awareness, having open conversations, and taking positive action, we can all work together to prevent cyberbullying and protect vulnerable individuals from its life-threatening consequences.