Youth mental health risks linked to digital isolation and domestic violence

Experts and researchers are highlighting the growing connection between digital isolation, domestic environments, and rising violence among youth in Turkey.

During a panel organized by Medipol Health Group for World Mental Health Day, specialists warned that increased time spent in digital spaces is leading to social isolation. They noted that online communities normalizing violence and harmful subcultures, such as the 'incel' movement, can weaken empathy and trigger anger issues in young people. Experts emphasized that the search for belonging in radical online groups often stems from feelings of loneliness.

A study conducted by social service expert Muhammed Furkan Can involving 778 students in the Küçükçekmece and Büyükçekmece districts further illustrates how violence transitions from the home to the school. The research found a strong correlation between domestic verbal or psychological abuse and the likelihood of a child experiencing physical bullying at school. Additionally, children exposed to pressure or violence at home are significantly more likely to exhibit bullying behavior toward their peers. The findings suggest that addressing school bullying requires a holistic approach involving both families and educational institutions to intervene before violent behaviors manifest.