Blog Post 6 - Cyberbullying and Screen Time: Protecting Mental Health in the Digital Age

by Muhammed Karabudak | Jan 30, 2025
This blog deals with cyber-bullying, a real social phenomenon that affects many young people, with consequences that can be terrible.

Focus on Cyberbullying With the increasing use of digital technologies, young people are spending more and more time in front of screens. According to a study by Statista, in 2023, teenagers spent an average of 7 hours per day on their digital devices. This figure is alarming as it can have significant repercussions on their physical and mental health, notably by increasing the risks of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying takes place via the Internet (on a social network, a forum, a multiplayer video game, a blog, etc.). It can take the form of publications on a public platform (e.g., a forum) or private exchanges (e.g., on a social network's private messaging system). As with bullying at school, cyberbullying can leave its victims with aftereffects: anxiety, sadness, loneliness, insomnia, loss of selfconfidence, absenteeism from school. It's a painful situation that can lead to depression and even suicidal behavior. 

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Blog Post 6 - Cyberbullying and Screen Time: Protecting Mental Health in the Digital Age

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About TechWell


Why TechWell Project?

The prevalence of technology addiction has emerged as a global concern of increasing significance in recent years. This phenomenon is observed across a diverse spectrum of socioeconomic groups, especially among younger population.

The harmful use of technology and its negative effects on young people have also found their way into EU documents. The European Parliament's report, published in 2019, focuses directly on this issue, defines the problem and proposes solutions. As mentioned in the relevant report, the proposed solutions include "promoting and disseminating applied research and information on responsible internet use and prevention" and "promoting and educating on online and offline health behaviours in young populations" (European Parliament, 2019).

The Technological Wellness Among Young People (TechWell) Project aims to address this issue by offering an innovative training programme.

Aims

The fundamental basis for this project proposal rests on three empirical reasons;

  • Assessing the causes and consequences of smartphone addiction among high school students
  • Combating problematic smartphone usage
  • Increasing awareness among young people about smartphone addiction