logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
The Dark Side of the Digital Age
News
September 19, 2024
The Dark Side of the Digital Age
By NATALIE GABBARD MHR, LPC

Editor’s Note: September is National Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month and therefore we will be covering a critical and often overlooked issue: the alarming rate of suicides in rural Oklahoma. In this four-part series, we will delve into the unique challenges faced by our communities, where isolation, limited resources, and stigma can create formidable barriers to mental health support. Our goal is to spark conversation, inspire action, and offer hope to those in need. This is part three.

In today’s digital age, social media has become an essential part of daily life, especially for young people. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are central to how teenagers and young adults communicate, express themselves, and stay connected with the world. While these platforms offer many benefits, we need to be aware of the prolonged effects of the impact on one’s mental health and overall well-being.

According to recent studies, over 90 percent of teenagers in the United States are active on social media, spending an average of three hours per day on various platforms.

While social media was initially celebrated as a groundbreaking tool for connection and self-expression, it has also revealed a troubling downside: the surge in cyberbullying has been linked to a disturbing rise in suicide rates among teenagers. “Likes,” comments, and shares can often feel like measures of personal worth.

Children and adolescents are increasingly immersed in online activities and social media, spending more time than ever engaging with digital content. Scientific studies have highlighted the negative impacts of social media and technology on youth development. Research indicates that extensive online time can take away from reallife social interactions and human connection, leading to heightened feelings of loneliness and other mental health issues despite frequent virtual connections.

Moreover, heavy social media use often interferes with essential activities such as physical exercise, sleep and in-person interactions which are factors critical for maintaining mental health. The disruption of these routines can contribute to negative mental health outcomes.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), reports that in 2020, suicide was the second leading cause of death for early adolescents aged 10 to 14, and the third leading cause for older adolescents aged 15 to 24 in the U.S. From 2007 to 2019, the suicide rate among youth surged by 57 percent.

Furthermore, minority youth experience disproportionately high rates of suicide compared to their White peers. Notably, American Indian and Alaska Native communities face the highest suicide rates of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S., affecting both adults and adolescents.

Nonetheless, research is emerging suggesting social media can also be a valuable tool for identifying children at risk of mental health issues. Thus, it’s crucial to understand and address the potential harms of digital technology, and equally important to explore how these platforms can be effectively used to enhance mental health support and pinpoint those in need of intervention.

According to a report released by NIMH, there has been a marked increase in self-reported cases of bullying online, and a correlated rise in severe mental health crises among teens.

“Cyberbullying,” involves traditional bullying behaviors, such as verbal abuse, mocking, insults, and threats and is conducted through electronic means like email, mobile phones, text messages, and social media.

Unlike face-to-face bullying, which typically happens in school environments, cyberbullying can occur anytime and anywhere, allowing perpetrators to inflict harm, humiliation, fear, and despair without direct contact. Research evidence suggests children and young people under age 25 who were victims of cyberbullying are twice as likely to engage in self-harm and suicidal behaviors as their non-victim peers.

Disturbingly there have been increases in suicide rates among children aged five to nine, with suicide now ranking as the 10th leading cause of death in this age group.

Prevention and intervention

There is a major need for increased fund raising dedicated to reducing youth suicide rates by funding research that enhances understanding of its causes and by identifying effective strategies to mitigate risk. This includes supporting practice-based research to test interventions tailored for children and funding the development of screening tools to identify atrisk children before they engage in harmful behaviors.

There are efforts to improve screening and care delivery in medical settings like emergency departments and primary care. By focusing research on these points of care, the goal is to improve practices and ultimately reduce suicide rates.

Researchers recommend that schools adopt anti-bullying programs tailored to the needs of both victims and perpetrators while promoting inclusivity. They emphasize that suicide prevention and intervention should be integral to any comprehensive antibullying strategy.

This approach should involve the entire school community, including raising awareness and providing training for both staff and students.

Local church supports those with disabilities
A: Main, News...
Local church supports those with disabilities
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 17, 2025
Last week His Ability Ministries with Checotah First Assembly of God offered training for disability friendly churches with Lonnie and Janet Nance from Unlimited Ministries of Springfield, Missouri. L...
this is a test
Checotah says goodbye to cowboy legend Bill Duvall
A: Main, News...
Checotah says goodbye to cowboy legend Bill Duvall
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 17, 2025
Memorial Service for Bill Duvall Friday, July 18 at 11 a.m. First Baptist Church, Checotah When Bill Duvall was called to meet His Maker in the Great Round Up in the sky this past Sunday, Checotah los...
this is a test
Whole Hawg Days on the horizon
A: Main, News...
Whole Hawg Days on the horizon
July 17, 2025
Get ready for another funfilled weekend as the 41st Annual Whole Hawg Arts & Crafts Festival prepares to get underway, Friday and Saturday, July 25-26. The festival will consist of Arts & Crafts, a ro...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Annual Memorial Service planned at Honey Springs Battlefield
July 17, 2025
Honey Springs Battlefield will hold its annual memorial service on Saturday, July 19, at 10:30 a.m. to honor the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs near Checotah. The service will be hel...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Man facing obscenity charges
July 17, 2025
Ryan Troy Dick, a 52-yearold Sallisaw resident, is being held in the McIntosh County Jail pending his preliminary hearing on charges related to indecent photographs and videos sent to a former girlfri...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Carey trial set on rape charge
July 17, 2025
Arnold Willard Carey Jr., 28, waived his right to a preliminary hearing on July 9 and his rape case was placed on the Sept. 29 sounding docket for the next trial. The McIntosh County resident has been...
this is a test
United for Oklahoma
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
A: Main, News...
Juvenile dies following accident near Longtown
July 17, 2025
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that a juvenile, whose name and age are being withheld, was fatally injured in a single-vehicle accident that took place at about 10:30 p.m. on July 4. The deceased...
this is a test
Checotah bandies recognized at TMALA
News
Checotah bandies recognized at TMALA
July 17, 2025
Class of Checotah band students were recently recognized at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy (TMALA). TMALA Band Leadership was led by Ryan Edgmon, Director of Bands for Mustang Public Scho...
this is a test
Supporters walk to raise awareness against sexual assault
News
Supporters walk to raise awareness against sexual assault
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
July 17, 2025
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation held its Sexual Assault Awareness Walk (SAAM) last Friday, July 12, at 12 p.m. in Posey Park. The event was originally scheduled for April but was rained out. Community sup...
this is a test
News
Oktaha Trinity Baptist Church Vacation Bible School
July 17, 2025
The Great Jungle Journey An Epic Cruise from Genesis to Revelation July 21- 25 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Ages: 4-12 years Dinner will be provided.
this is a test
Preliminary hearing set for man charged with murder
News
Preliminary hearing set for man charged with murder
July 17, 2025
Following a competency hearing on July 9, Wilburton resident Glen Edward Calvin, 54, was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing in McIntosh County District Court at 2 p.m. Aug. 20. On a charge of...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy