If you have a teen in your family, you probably understand the concept of cyberbullying. Due to teenagers’ increased use of the internet to communicate, learn, and interact, as a parent, you need to pay attention to your children’s online participation. It can ensure that teens do not fall victim to internet threats, like cyberbullying. Teens cause digital self-harm by using online platforms to post derogatory comments about themselves.
Children can harm themselves on the internet because of critical underlying issues. If you are in such a situation, your loved one needs professional intervention from a rehab facility like Foothills at Red Oak Recovery. For more information, contact our team today at 866.300.5275.

Understanding Digital Self-Harm

Internet self-harm happens when individuals post hurtful comments about themselves. While cyberbullying is a familiar term among many people, many wonder why some teens would do it to themselves. Apart from social media, self-harm can also occur in web forums, video games, apps, emails, and text messaging. While you may think teens do this to get attention, it can happen due to underlying mental health issues.

If your teen is struggling with mental health problems, talk to rehab experts for a variety of treatment options such as:

• Social media addiction
• Smartphone addiction treatment
• Gaming addiction treatment
• Equine therapy program
• Psychological testing program

Why Teens Engage in Online Self-Harm

Every case involving online self-harm may be different depending on an individual’s circumstances. That is why there is no specific reason why it happens.

However, some of the most common causes of online self-harm in teens include:

• Proving toughness
• Attracting attention from peers and parents
• Dealing with feelings of disconnection
• Gaining a sense of control
• Emotional regulation
• Boredom
• Co-occurring mental disorders

How Parents Can Help

While this may be relatively new for some parents, it is vital to understand your child’s weird behavior’s primary reasons. Ask yourself: Is your teen looking for acceptance from peers or suffering from a mental health problem? Understanding the underlying issues can help parents to find the necessary help for their children.

Monitor your child on social media. However, paying attention to how teens use the internet can be challenging because they may need independence while using technology. For example, consistent monitoring of children’s social media accounts may provoke them to open separate ones. Parents can avoid this by talking to their kids and trying to understand what is happening instead of continually investigating their browsing histories.

Should you discover a negatively charged comment, notice where it came from and ask your child about the issue. Explain your thoughts about the statement and listen to your kid’s views too. Ensure you explain to your child the pros and cons of social media and the action to take when cyberbullying occurs.

The many activities taking place throughout the internet may cause some teens to experience social isolation. Provide a robust support system for your child to reduce feelings of loneliness. You can also establish a face-to-face connection between trusted friends, coaches, and teachers.

Avoid being judgmental. There is no specific reason why any child can self-harm online. If you discover your teen is practicing digital self-harm, do not overreact. For example, instead of confiscating phones and other technological devices, try to connect and understand the underlying problem. Knowing the reasons behind this behavior can be a foundation for finding long-term recovery for your child.

Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery for More Details of Self-Harm

Is your teen engaging in digital self-harm? If yes, it could occur due to a wide range of issues, including mental health problems. Your child might be struggling with psychological, mental, and emotional issues that you need to address. Fortunately, you can talk to a therapist for a case evaluation and guidance. Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275 to learn more about mitigating teens’ self-harm tendencies through talk therapy.