January 7th 2024.
A new study published on Dec. 31 in JAMA Psychiatry suggests a link between racism experienced by Black youth online and the exponential rise in suicide rates of Black youth over the past two decades. The study was conducted by Brendesha M. Tynes, Ashley Maxie-Moreman, and Tuyet-Mai Ha Hoang, and it revealed that Black children and teenagers display symptoms of PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after experiencing racial discrimination online.
The findings of the study are alarming, as an analysis by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health from 2007-2020, revealed that the suicide rate of Black children and teens aged 10-17 had jumped by 144%. This marks the sharpest rise of any racial or ethnic group.
Maxie-Moreman spoke to NBC News saying that cyberbullying is a particularly serious problem for Black youth, as they are more prone to experiencing online racial discrimination. The study surveyed 525 Black children and teenagers, aged 11-19, to examine racially discriminatory experiences directed at a single individual, such as racist memes or explicit racist messages. The respondents reported feeling symptoms of PTSD, including isolation, persistent intrusive thoughts, and chronic distress.
However, the study could not establish a direct link between online racism and increased suicidal thoughts. The authors of the study concluded that more in-depth research needs to be conducted to determine any connection between the two.
Dr. Amanda Calhoun, chief resident of Yale University’s Albert J. Solnit Integrated Adult/Child Psychiatry Program, believes that the decline in mental health among Black children is a result of anti-Black racism. She believes that teachers, social workers, and other experts should help Black youths navigate these issues and provide them with access to mental health services.
Michael Lindsey, the Dean and Paulette Goddard Professor of Social Work at NYU’s Silver School of Social Work, recommended school social workers to ensure that children are identified early when there is a challenge and connected to support services. Parents can also play an important role in fighting cyberbullying.
The study shows that racism experienced by Black youth online can have a significant impact on their mental health. It is therefore essential that preventive measures are taken to ensure that Black children have access to the support they need to manage their mental health.
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