DETROIT, April 21,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In today's world of technology,
many youth experience the negative consequences of increased
connectivity and socialization in the form of cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying differs from traditional bullying in several ways,
and as a result, Meridian wants to educate adults and youth across
Michigan about the risks of
cyberbullying and how it impacts overall health.
Cyberbullying is harassment that takes place over digital
devices, social media platforms, and gaming experiences. According
to the Pew Research Center, 59% of U.S. teens have been bullied or
harassed online. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can
take place 24 hours a day and includes actions such as making
threats, spreading rumors, sharing personal information to
humiliate, excluding someone on purpose, and more.
"The pervasiveness of technology has created new avenues for
bullying, making it more difficult for our youth to escape its
harmful effects," said Dr. Kay
Judge, Meridian's Chief Medical Officer. "Cyberbullying can
be uncharted territory for parents and caregivers from past
generations, so Meridian wants to help raise awareness to help
adults and youth recognize negative behavior and provide
support."
Cyberbullying can lead to social and emotional distress,
behavioral problems, and mental health issues. Additionally, youth
who are bullied are at increased risk for substance misuse,
academic problems, and violence to others. These effects on the
mental wellbeing of youth can translate into physical health
challenges later in life, extending the impact of cyberbullying
long after it stops. The U.S. Surgeon General recently issued an
advisory stating the youth mental health crisis has been further
exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To further spread awareness, Meridian is encouraging youth in
Michigan to take action to promote
prevention with their peers and community by participating in the
Centene Institute Youth Impact Award for Cyberbullying Prevention.
As part of the Centene family, Meridian invites youth ages 14-19 to
watch a short video and read a fact sheet on cyberbullying before
submitting their own original visual art entry that conveys
cyberbullying awareness and prevention. The contest is open to
eligible youth nationwide. All submissions are eligible to account
for up to 10 hours of community service. The contest is now open
and runs until May 20, 2022.
Below are some tips from the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics
and the Department of Health and Human Services to raise awareness
and prevent cyberbullying that can inspire contest entries as well
as be used to handle situations in everyday life:
- Talk about bullying to reduce stigma and identify potential
instances of cyberbullying
- Plan for what to do if witnessing or experiencing bullying
- Teach youth to treat others respect and practice
inclusivity
- Create positive community environments that build confidence
and social skills
- If bullied, immediately stop communication and block the person
via digital channels
- Speak up if you feel uncomfortable with the comments or actions
of someone
- Understand the possible warning signs of emotional
distress
For more information about the Youth Impact Award and how to
enter, visit
https://www.centeneinstituteaward.com/cyberbullying-prevention/2022.
For more information on Meridian and its activities, visit
mimeridian.com.
About Meridian
Meridian of Michigan is a
provider of government-sponsored managed care services. We offer
Medicaid and Medicare-Medicaid managed care plans to people
in Michigan. Meridian is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene
Corp. (NYSE: CNC), a Fortune 25 company providing health
coverage to more than 26 million Americans. For more information,
visit mimeridian.com.
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SOURCE Meridian of Michigan