Social Work Practice

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Relevance to Social Work Practice Social workers know that adolescence is a very important time for identity development (Albin, 2012). Correspondingly, during the period of adolescence, if an individual is exposed to bullying of any kind it can negatively influence their emotional, social, and psychological development (Şahin, Aydin, & Sari, 2012). It may also cause victims to suffer long-term sociological and psychological consequences, which can follow them into adulthood (Albin, 2012). It was reported by Albin that some adults who experienced cyber bullying as adolescents have higher levels of depression and poor self esteem (2012). Studies have shown that there is an association between being a victim of cyber bullying, mental health …show more content…

It is a problem that will mostly be seen by school and clinical social workers, yet anyone within the profession should be aware of the repercussions of this type of victimization, violence, and harassment. Due to the fact that mental health issues stem out of being bullied, many of the adolescents will need to seek help with a social worker to process through their feelings regarding being a victim of cyber bullying. Social workers will focus mostly on the victims, but they also need to turn their attentions to the bullies themselves. By doing this, the social worker can help to prevent further instances of cyber bullying and damage to other adolescents. Also, social workers can play a large part in educating adolescents, teachers, parents, and the communities about cyber bullying. Social workers should use their voice and advocacy skills to speak out against cyber bullying. It is very frustrating as an intern to see students being picked on by cyber bullies and the negative turn it can take on their lives, especially mentally and socially. Social workers use models such a focusing on strengths of an individual and also empowering them, which can be vey beneficial when working with individuals who have been affected by cyber

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