In today's world where screens are an integral part of daily life for young people, understanding the complex relationship between screen time and bullying has become increasingly crucial.
This blog post delves into the link between screen time and bullying. Join us as we examine the impact of screen time on the dynamics of bullying and how digital device and the Internet can contribute to bullying and further its impact.
Increasing exposure to harmful online content
Screen time, including use of smartphones, tablets, computers, and video games, exposes children and young people to a wide range of content, some of which can be violent or aggressive.
Excessive exposure to this type of content will lead to desensitisation. This means a child that consumes a lot of violent content will become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others. This can encourage a child to engage in bullying behaviours, or adopt a more accepting attitude towards bullying.
Increasing the risk of cyberbullying
When a child spends a lot of time online, it increases their chance of encountering and engaging in harmful cyberbullying behaviours, particularly on social media platforms, where cyberbullying incidents are prevalent.
For example, they may come across a post where their friends make fun of a humiliating photo or video of someone they know, and decide to join in. This may happen to young people who wouldn't typically and openly bully others in the school yard.
This is because the Internet provides our kids with a sense of anonymity and detachment from consequences that can encourage harmful behaviours. This is called the disinhibition effect, which occurs when people feel less restricted and more open online than in person. The lack of face-to-face interaction and the relative anonymity can give students the confidence to behave in ways they wouldn’t in offline situations. Students can take part in cyberbullying, assuming they are safe from consequences, but their actions can be traced back to them, and their effects can be incredibly damaging in real life.
In some cases, screen addiction can reinforce negative behaviours associated with bullying, such as aggression or impulsivity. This can contribute to a cycle where students engage in or are targeted by bullying behaviours both online and offline.
Hindering the development of empathy and social skills
Screen addiction often leads to reduced face-to-face interactions and social isolation. This lack of in-person socialisation can affect how children perceive and respond to bullying.
On one hand, it can make young people more vulnerable to bullying, as they may have fewer social supports and less opportunity to develop social skills that could help them cope with or avoid bullying situations.
On the other hand, it can keep them from developing empathy, which makes them more likely to engage in bullying behaviours. In a study titled “Correlational study on cyberbullying and social abilities in intercultural teenagers,” it was found that intercultural teenagers who lack adequate social skills tend to be involved in cyberbullying incidents that revolve around racist or xenophobic encounters.
Distracting young people from seeking help
Screen addiction can sometimes be a way for to young people to cope with stress, anxiety, or loneliness. However, excessive screen time as a coping mechanism may lead to further isolation and vulnerability, making individuals more susceptible to bullying both online and offline.
While those that are bullied find solace and escape from reality in the online world, those that bully others also tend to spend a lot of time online to distract themselves from the underlined issues that may contribute to their bullying behaviours, like neglected parents or a violent home.
By immersing themselves in online content, both groups deflect from seeking support and properly addressing bullying behaviours.
Worsening mental health problems caused by bullying
Both bullying and screen addiction can have significant psychological impacts. Research suggests that there's a link between increased screen time and higher levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness in children and young people. These mental health issues can both contribute to and be furthered by experiences of bullying.
A child addicted to screens may experience negative self-esteem or loneliness, which could make them more likely to bully others to get popularity and validation. Meanwhile, victims of bullying may experience feelings of anxiety and isolation, and can feel those emotions even more intensely after spending an extended period of time online with no social interactions.
Overall, while screen time itself is not the direct cause of bullying, it can contribute to an environment where bullying behaviours are more prevalent or impactful. Balancing screen time with other activities and maintaining open communication with children about their online experiences are important steps in addressing this issue.
We will explore the signs of screen addictions in children and young people, and what parents can do to manage their screen time in the next two weeks, so watch this space!
If you are concerned about a child or young person being bullied, please seek help. Speak to a trusted GP, school wellbeing staff, or a helpline such as:
Dolly’s Dream Support Line 0488 881 033
Parentline in your state or territory
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Headspace 1800 650 890
Lifeline 13 11 14
