Bullies have always been around, but there are some modern changes that parents need to know about. Cyberbullying is one of the new faces of bullying that parents need to know about. As cyberbullying has emerged with the development of technology, for many parents, it may feel a bit like uncharted territory.
Cyberbullying is bullying or harassment through electronic or digital means. It is also known as online bullying. The sad truth is that cyberbullying becomes more common as technology becomes more widespread.
On many complex topics, We often relate to our children through similar experiences during our childhood. However, due to its recent appearance, you might not have the experience of cyberbullying as a child. It is so important that our children stay safe on social media.
Cyberbullying can take several forms and can be when someone bullies or harasses others on the internet, particularly on social media sites, either by posting rumors, threats, sexual remarks, a victim’s personal information, or hate speech. Victims may experience low self-esteem, an increase in suicidal ideation, and a variety of negative emotional responses, including fear, frustration, anger, and depression.
Research shows that one in three young people in 30 countries, including Nigeria, said they had been a victim of online bullying, with one in five reporting having skipped school due to cyberbullying and violence, in a new poll released today by UNICEF and the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Violence against Children.
Research shows that one in three young people in 30 countries, including Nigeria, said they had been a victim of online bullying, with one in five reporting having skipped school due to cyberbullying and violence, in a new poll released… Share on XAnswer these five questions to help you begin to identify if your child has become the target of cyberbullying.
1. Have you noticed a change in emotional behavior?
When children become victims of cyberbullying, one of the first noticeable signs is usually a behavior change.
According to The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), children often show emotional changes in behavior. This can include behavior such as becoming more withdrawn, shy, anxious, depressed, and or agitated and aggressive.
If you discover that your child has been targeted, it is especially critical to watch for signs of depression.
2. Has their willingness to attend school changed?
Often, the emotional impact resulting from cyberbullying will leave children finding any way possible to avoid going to school. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) suggests victims of cyberbullying may “increasingly report symptoms of illness for which he or she wants to stay home.”
Watch for your child making excuses to stay home from school. Also, engage in conversation about why they don’t want to attend.
3. Have you noticed a drop in grades?
Similar to a drop in school attendance, it has also been observed that children who are cyberbullied may have a significant drop in grades (NCPC). If you notice your child’s grades slipped, it could be a sign of problems at school that should be explored.
4. Are they avoiding or becoming upset by technology?
Is your child avoiding using their computer, phone, or other devices? Have you noticed that they are agitated after using technology? These are dangerous signals that your child may be the target of cyberbullying.
5. Has your child lost interest in things they once enjoyed?
If your child seems uninterested in things they used to love, it is a potential warning sign of both bullying and depression. Do take immediate action if you recognize any of these signs.
Indeed, these things could be related to something other than being bullied. However, if you answered yes to any questions, sit down with your child and discuss the meanings behind your observation.
Try to watch their comfort level as you engage in discussion, particularly if the subject of cyberbullying generates a strong emotional reaction. If it does, your child has probably become a victim.
What To Do If Your Child Is Being Cyberbullied
According to a 2019 report by the Cyberbullying Research Centre, most cases of cyberbullying occur on popular social media sites. These include platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and even TikTok. Social media was created to allow people to share moments and communicate with their friends, but many twist this function and instead use it to spread hate.
On these social networking sites, cyberbullies (often called “trolls”) can make painful and emotionally damaging comments anonymously. These comments can be posted publicly or privately on a user’s page in a direct message (DM). This is what makes cyberbullying on social media so different from regular bullying and so much more dangerous, too. An unlimited number can see the bully’s remarks of people, which further perpetuate the victim’s feelings of helplessness.
Effects of Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying has many adverse effects on our children, sometimes even more than traditional bullying, according to Verywell Family. This is because cyberbullying can occur at any time and place, making it more relentless and overwhelming for the victim. Secondly, cyberbullying usually occurs without witnesses, as it could just be the child receiving the messages. This makes the bullied kids feel like they have a big, stressful secret that affects them mentally and brings about feelings of depression and anxiety.
What Can You Do?
The good news is that cyberbullying is not entirely undetectable. Parents and guardians can spot if a child is being cyberbullied through changes in the child’s behavior. Suppose a child begins to show uneasiness when leaving the house, nervousness and frustration while browsing the internet, loss of interest in their hobbies, and unwillingness to discuss their online activities. In that case, chances are that the child is being cyberbullied.
The good news is that cyberbullying is not entirely undetectable. Parents and guardians can spot if a child is being cyberbullied through changes in the child’s behavior. Share on XAll hope is not lost if parents realize that a child is being cyberbullied. There are courses of action one can take to help the child. Parents should reassure their children that they are loved and supported and that the bully only wants to make them feel small so they can feel big. They should encourage the child to take a break from the internet and identify the bully if they know the person’s identity. On social media, there are several actions children and teenagers can take to block or report bullies and trolls.
While this is something that no parents want for their child, try to recognize that you’ve identified the problem. You can then begin to work together on a solution.
Also read:
What To Do if the Bully is the Teacher
Get a copy of Online Bullying Tips for Parents by Facebook and International Bullying Prevention Association.
