The number of British teenagers admitted to hospitals for anxiety and depression rose remarkably in the last four years due to sexting and online bullying, according to data published this month.

Statistics from the Priory Group, the United Kingdom’s largest organization for mental health hospitals and clinics, show that admissions for anxiety or depression in teenagers rose by 50 percent in four years. In 2014, there were 262 individuals from ages 12 to 17 who were admitted, up from 178 in 2010. These figures are likely low due to hundreds of others on waiting lists who were referred by general practitioners but did not see a specialist.

Psychiatrists blame sexting, which is the practice of sending sexually explicit photographs or messages via mobile phone. Sexting, seen as a form of courtship by some, can provoke critical feedback from recipients. Once shared, these messages lead to a torrent of comments on social media platforms. As anonymous chatters, children unleash a barrage of comments directed toward other young children.

Dr. Natasha Bijlani, consultant psychiatrist at the Priory Hospital Roehampton in southwest London, said: “This relatively new phenomenon of sexting … seems to have become endemic, and we are not sure of the long-term consequences.” She continued, “However, coupled with online bullying, we can expect an increasing number of people suffering issues of trust, shame and self-loathing, sometimes manifesting itself in self-harming.”

The rising cyberbullying trend in Britain and around the world is causing depression and lack of self-worth in teenagers. As depression climbs, many conclude that medication is the antidote. Yet increasing numbers are discovering that medication is an ineffective long-term remedy.

Young people are increasingly interconnected in today’s world. Although that connectivity has some benefits, misuse and overuse of technologies are pandemic. To understand how to help the children in your life, read “Taking Time to Save Our Teens.”