CHANGING LIVES

How to Protect Children from Cyberbullying

Posted by Maryvale on Jan 17, 2023 12:23:51 PM

kaitlyn-baker-vZJdYl5JVXY-unsplash-web

Cyberbullying is a complicated form of harassment that can be difficult for adults to spot and even more difficult for children to navigate. Cyberbullying happens when someone willfully inflicts harm on another person through computers, cell phones, or other devices. Much like in-person bullying, cyberbullying is pre-planned and intentional; it is not an attempt to be funny and does not happen by accident. In most cases, cyberbullies will repeat their harm-inducing behaviors; they are not typically isolated incidents. 

 

What makes this nasty behavior so challenging for adults to spot? Cyberbullying can often be disguised as a form of communication between young people. After all, texting and social media are everyday tools. However, when an offender repeatedly attempts to harass, embarrass, or threaten another person through aggressive messages, social media posts, or emails, there is no doubt that they are cyberbullying.

 

According to the CDC, cyberbullying affects 15.5% of high school students but is not strictly a high school program. About 30% of kids between 12 and 17 have experienced some form of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is more likely to affect girls and LGBTQ youth, who already face increased risks in their peer groups and have been the target of other forms of harassment for decades.

 

What Happens When a Child is Cyberbullied?

 

Humor and tongue-in-cheek behavior characterize much of how children act among their friends, especially when texting or communicating on social media. The line between gentle teasing and bullying is difficult to read or interpret. However, it is worth assuming that any digital communication that causes a child stress should be taken seriously because cyberbullying can lead to lasting problems. A victim of cyberbullying is at an increased risk for low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, depression, and difficulty finding a comfortable social rhythm. It is worth noting that the repetitive nature of bullying magnifies its impact. A child or teen’s response to bullying can take far longer to understand and cope with than the bullying itself. 

 

When a young person is bullied online, they might feel afraid or devalued, which can cause discomfort in social situations or a lack of confidence in sharing their perspective among friends, family, or the classroom. Victims of cyberbullying might feel excessively tired or display physical anxiety symptoms such as stomach pain and headaches. In extreme cases, cyberbullying can lead to suicide.

 

Because cyberbullying happens via messaging or social media, it can be easy – even tempting - for the bully and the victim to conceal what is happening. When these incidents happen in secret, victims of bullying can become confused about what is happening to them and question their feelings’ validity. Perhaps a bully alternates between being funny and sending harmful or aggressive messages, or a victim receives harmful messages from more than one person. When a young person is disoriented, they will likely struggle to report cyberbullies or seek the help they need.

 

How To Protect Young People from Cyberbullying

 

Children and teens dealing with a cyberbully should seek support from their parents, teachers, or a trusted adult. Encourage children to share with you when they have evidence of what is happening. Cyberbullies need to be made aware that their behavior is unacceptable. If a person is being bullied on a social media platform like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, they can block the bully and report them to the platform’s moderators. It is crucial to report bullying wherever it happens – even if the victim is a friend, classmate, or neighbor. Bullying is a behavior that repeats and can get worse with time. When a cyberbully goes unreported, they might perceive weakness or fear and become even more aggressive – so if you spot an issue, do not hesitate to report it.

 

In general, try being proactive with children about healthy internet usage and social communication. As a parent, you should actively review and monitor your child’s digital communication. Speak openly about who your children are friends with, how they stay in touch, and what they talk about. It is important to ask your children how they feel about the interactions they are having. Parents should invite children to share their experiences, positive and negative, both to build an expectation of open communication and to anticipate any safety concerns. Parents should know their children’s friends and whether they have any social problems at school and in the neighborhood. 

 

For shy or stubborn children who might be more private about their internet usage and social life, try asking open-ended questions and lead with ideas or topics that you know your child will respond to. If you become aware of cyberbullying, help your child navigate their feelings while setting safe social media and internet usage boundaries. Involve teachers or school counselors when possible. The more adults know about what’s happening between children, the more they can protect those who are vulnerable and restore peace.

 

How To Intervene with a Cyberbully

 

Knowing how to respond in a moment of heightened emotion or harmful communication can be difficult. Here are a few dos and don’ts for dealing with cyberbullies in real-time:

 

Don’ts:

 

  • Don’t engage with harmful messages. One of the reasons cyberbullying is so pervasive is the speed of digital communications. When a bully sends a cruel or embarrassing message, it is natural to want to respond defensively. In some cases, standing up to a bully can be helpful – however, in most cases, engaging with a bully will only make matters worse. Walk away and resist the impulse to fire back a response or give the bully your attention.
  • Don’t reward their bad behavior with your attention – turn the other cheek. A desire for dominance often fuels cyberbullies’ aggression. By signing out of a social media platform, blocking their phone number, or ignoring their messages, victims can demonstrate that they are not afraid. The cyberbully may get bored when the victim stops responding.

 

Do’s:

  • Do take steps to protect yourself and your privacy online. Social media platforms and most smartphone carriers will allow you to report and block a person. It is also wise to ensure that you have safe passwords and do not share any personal photos, videos, or messages that you don’t want to share with your social networks.
  • Do what you can to build a support network. Friends, trusted adults, and therapists can help a child navigate the effects of bullying. If you or someone close to you has been bullied online, remember – you are not alone. Speak up about what is going on and lean on the people you trust to take care of you.

Topics: Cyber Bullying

stock-photo-morning-yoga-and-meeting-the-sun-3232349.jpg
DONATE