Cyber Harassment on Social Media Platforms and Its Effects on Student's Mental Well-being in Dera Ghazi Khan

Abstract

This study explored the part social media plays in cyberbullying and how it affects students' mental health. A double-stage sampling procedure was used to choose the 150 respondents (students) for this study. The findings indicate that cyber harassment is a prevalent issue among students on social media platforms, with a significant portion regularly experiencing offensive comments, bullying, or intimidation. This harassment has substantial adverse effects on students' mental health, contributing to increased anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as a decline in academic focus and self-esteem. Recommendations include implementing stricter anti-harassment policies on social media, providing mental health support to affected students, and raising awareness about the consequences of cyber harassment. Educational institutions should also foster a safer online environment through digital literacy programs and collaboration with social media platforms to curb harassment. This further highlights how critical it is to address cyberbullying to lessen its detrimental impact on kids' wellbeing. The study recommended that parents monitor and balance their children's use of their phones and the internet.