Technology penetration is on the rise and this is a good thing as it a large extent it makes life easier for us and makes the things that seemed impossible back in the days finally possible. However, like everything good, it comes with it’s fair share of negative effects one of which is cyberbullying which we will be focusing on in this article.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is the use of digital technologies with an intent to offend, humiliate, threaten, harass or abuse somebody. Online threats, aggressive remarks, hateful comments, trolling, rude texts, tweets, posting personal videos or photos of someone else online, posts, or messages all count. Anything that gets posted online to hurt, harass, or upset someone else is cyberbullying.
Effects of Cyberbullying
Online bullying, like other known types of bullying, can lead to serious long-lasting problems for the victims like;
- depression
- anger
- shame
- low self-esteem
- feeling suicidal
- loss of appetite
- mood swings
- low energy level
- anxiety
- withdrawal
Signs to watch out for
Most young people don’t open up to their parents when they are being bullied or intimidated. Therefore, as parents, we need to pay close attention. If your child’s losing sleep or suddenly doesn’t want to go to school anymore or always agitated when on his or her computer or phone, ask why as calmly and open-heartedly as possible. Probe further to know if someone has been threatening them or maltreating them.
Asking children the following questions can help you identify if your child is being cyberbullied
- Are you on the receiving hurtful comments online?
- Is someone persistently bothering you on social media?
- Have you ever been threatened by someone you know online?
- Do people spread gossip or rumours about you on the internet?
- Has a picture of you been shared without your consent?
- Have you been hacked or impersonated online?
- Are you being blackmailed online?
If they answered yes to any or some of these questions, chances are they are being bullied and the first solution that comes to mind is to end it all by just taking away phones, tabs, banning the latest social network site, or delete social media altogether. But that hardly solves the problem and here is why;
1. It’s a digital age, therefore, technology is a huge part of our daily lives for communication, social literacy, socializing and staying up-to-date. Therefore, deleting one social media platform doesn’t necessarily delete the interaction.
2. Social media is the “hot spot” where families and friends hang out and connect. Banning social media can contribute to kids getting marginalized or feeling left out.
How to prevent longterm bullying
For kids and teens
Each case is individual and different, but here are some general, tried and trusted measures you can consider.
1. Let your child know it’s not his fault
Nobody deserves to be treated cruelly and nothing he or she has done makes him or her deserve to be bullied.
2. Never respond or retaliate.
Often times, a reaction is what bullies are looking for because it gives them power over you, and you don’t want to empower them. Retaliating means becoming a bully yourself in the bid to payback. Let your child know the right thing to do is to remove themselves from the situation and report the offender.
3. Save the evidence.
Since cyberbullying involves the use of technology and media devices, evidences can be captured and saved.
4. Tell the person to stop.
They need to communicate clearly that they are uncomfortable with situation. Remember to escalate before it gets out of hand.
5. Reach out for help
You deserve backup. See if there’s someone who can listen, help you process what’s going on and work through it – parents, a friend, relative or maybe an adult you trust.
6. Use available tech tools.
Most social media apps and services allow you to block and unfriend people. Make use of it and block access to you.
7. Protect your accounts.
Don’t give room for impersonation. Don’t share your passwords with anyone – even your closest friends, who may not be close forever.
8. Escalate
If it is someone they know from school, neighbourhood or other familiar places, escalate to the authority figure over them be it the parent, teacher or guardian.
If your child is cyberbullying others
It’s hard to admit but if kids are being bullied online, someone is doing the bullying. If you think your child is bullying the first thing to do is get them to stop the bullying but try not to overreact. Check all their devices regularly to see who they are associating with. Education, communication and caring – not labels – are the best ways to help children improve.
Also read: Top 10 Skills Every Child Must Have To Thrive In Today’s World
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