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Student Life, USF Health

Social media aids bullying in adolescent suicides

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Bullying and suicide among children and adolescents is becoming more complex with the increased use of technology and social media.

Stephen Roggenbaum, the assistant in research at the University of South Florida’s Department of Child and Family Studies, said social media provides an additional vehicle for bullying.

“Today, bullying can take the role of electronic messaging,” he said.  “Texting, Twitter, Facebook – all can be set up to bully someone.”

The use of social media as an outlet for bullying became a prominent issue after several adolescents committed suicide after being taunted over the Internet.

Although bullying might have been assumed to be the reason for those suicides, that assumption is incorrect, said Roggenbaum.  The factors influencing suicide are so dynamic there is not just one cause.

“There is no link between bullying and suicide,” he said.  “In an effort to report those cases, it seems to be the straw that broke the camel’s back – not necessarily the reason for the suicide.”

Instead, the effects of bullying are the factors leading to suicide.  Bullying can be a contributing factor leading to anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self- esteem, he said.  Those are the risks of suicide.

Children who are at risk may exhibit the following symptoms: behavioral changes over a period of at least two weeks, including eating patterns, social isolation, withdrawing from activities that used to be enjoyable, and changes in sleep.  Kids and individuals who are vulnerable and become depressed may need to seek professional guidance.  In order to move on from bullying, Roggenbaum suggests strengthening coping skills, relying on a social network, and engaging in general well-being activities.

Storie Miller, the communications and marketing officer of the Department of Child and Family Studies at USF, said bullying has recently received more attention in regards to suicide.

“Bullying has been more of a focus in the last few years than ever before,” she said.  “Suicide prevention has been an important topic within our department for a long time.”

The Department of Child and Family Studies has written, along with contributions from Roggenbaum, the Youth Suicide Prevention School-Based Guide.  This publication is used to assist schools with their suicide prevention programs.

Many states have also recognized the need for a law regarding bullying in schools, including Florida.  The ‘Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up For All Students Act’ became a Florida law after Jeffrey Johnston committed suicide after being bullied by his peers.

Vickie Ahrens, a teaching assistant who works with autistic children, is familiar with being bullied in school.  It began in elementary school, around second or third grade.  She said bullying is still prevalent in schools and has seen it happen to a variety of students.

“I work with special needs kids, but I see it going on in other classrooms,” Ahrens said.  “It’s definitely there.”

Ahrens is among the 80 percent of people Roggenbaum said go on to live a life without serious ramifications from bullying.

But being bullied has made her more understanding.

“My experience with bullying gives me the ability to empathize,” Ahrens said.  “I know how it feels to be in that situation.”

Discussion

4 Responses to “Social media aids bullying in adolescent suicides”

  1. Very well written, Brenna Hinrichs! Hope we will see more posts from you with such depth and insight!

    Posted by Chantel | October 20, 2011, 5:11 pm
    Reply to this comment

  2. I liked this article! I was never bullied but have a daughter who has been bullied, and one who is the bully. I never expected this to happen in my house! Middle school changed my daughter. Right now she has realized how serious this behavior is and she is trying her best to be a better person.

    Posted by Linda | December 27, 2011, 2:13 am
    Reply to this comment

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