How to Spot the Signs of Cyberbullying
As more chances arise for tweens to be on the internet , the incidence of cyberbullying have increased . Cyberbullies and their actions should not be taken lightly , especially since it can sometimes have very dire consequences. It’s critical to discuss the topic with your tween and also about steps they can take to end cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying is when one child bullies another child in an online environment . Even though the bullying is not taking place in person, it’s still something to be taken seriously. Cyberbullying, like in person bullying , happens when one kid fixates on another and systematically works on spreading rumors about them , usually online – in social networks, through instant messages, or via email. Unfortunately cyberbullying is not a one-time occurrence – the persist until the behavior is addressed by victim or by an authority figure.
Children will handle cyberbullinying in different ways. Many kids will take the bullying to heart – even if to a parent, the signs are not apparent . Victims of cyberbullying usually become self-conscious or withdraw. Most tweens want acceptance from their peers and since cyberbullying is the direct opposite of this, the victims may become very listless .
What can you do to stop cyberbullying? Firstly, tell your child not to share any passwords or logins to instant messenge or email accounts. If they are on social networks, make sure that they only friend kids they know in the real world, and that they know how to “unfriend” someone. Be sure to save any threatening messages your child receives and bring them to a school administrator or the bully’s parents. Make sure that you encourage your child to tell you if he or she is receiving any cyber threats. Do not let you child handle cyberbullying on her own.
On the flip side, make sure your tween doesn’t succumb to any pressure to become the cynerbully herself. Teach children polite internet etiquette. Make sure they know that saying mean and untrue things online is just as bad as saying it to someone’s face . Ask them to envision about how they would feel if someone said mean things about them online.
As a mother , cyberbullying is just a new twist on the old school yard bully syndrome. But because of the anonymity of the internet, more and more kids feel they can play the game . Teach your child not to be a cyberbully and to report to you anytime she is the victim of cyberbullying. This is one school yard behavior you don’t want to see go too far.
