How Does Cyberbullying Affect Girls?

As the parent of a young or teenage daughter, the last thing you want to find out is that your precious girl is experiencing cyberbullying online. While these types of bad behavior are far too common for everyone, girls may be especially susceptible to certain unpleasant actions and statements. Learn how cyberbullying affects girls so you can help your daughter, granddaughter, niece, or friend find safety and happiness once again.

Not an Acceptable Outlet for Aggression

Some ill-informed parents and educators view bullying of all types as a predominantly male problem. They have an image of tough kids knocking each other into lockers or stealing lunch money. This type of aggression still happens in schools and other locations all across the country. Cyberbullying is no less violent and aggressive than in-person bullying. For girls, it is one of the most prevalent manifestations of this type of behavior.

Cyberbullying affects girls approximately three times more than boys according to some studies. In fact, a full 40% of girls in a 2010 study revealed that they had experienced this type of behavior from others. These days, with the ever-increasing use of the Internet for entertainment, education, and socializing, that number has undoubtedly risen.

Cyberbullying Focuses on Relationships

One of the most common effects of cyberbullying stems directly from its intention. The goals focus on exclusion, the removal of competition, and isolation in most cases. In other words, the bully wants to remove their victim from the social connections and comfort they would usually have with fellow students or peers.

This type of effect has devastating outcomes on girls who place a high value on “fitting in.” Girl groups and best friends are a big deal in school, and cyberbullies take that away from their targets. When a girl ends up alone, she loses not only her status among her peers but also her safety net that helps keep her safe from more bullying and harassment in the future.

Emotional, Mental, and Physical Effects

Online aggression and harassment can create a long list of problems for girls. Emotional disturbances like depression, anxiety, and decreased self-esteem top the list. Academic problems due to avoidance of educational opportunities and school as a whole will only get worse the longer Internet bullying goes on. As far as the physical effects go, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation are not outside the bounds of expectations. Girls are more likely to develop anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder than boys are.

The effects of cyberbullying on girls are far-reaching and often last a very long time. The bad behaviors of these trolls and bullies can destroy self-esteem, contribute to emotional distress, and can even be a cause of eating disorders and other severe mental and medical issues. Learn how cyberbullying affects girls in particular so you can offer protection and guidance to the ones you care about.