Preventing and Educating Kids About Cyberbullying

Bullying has long been a common problem for children in elementary, middle and even high school. While bullying in school and on buses is still a major concern for children, parents, and school administrators, so is cyberbullying. The 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) indicates that an estimated 15.9% of high school students were electronically bullied in the 12 months before the survey.

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is when technology is used to threaten, harass, harm or embarrass a person. It takes place digitally, via text messages, social platforms, gaming platforms, apps and more. A child can be bullied, bully others or witness bullying.

What Are Examples of Cyberbullying?

Your child may receive offensive text messages on their phone or threatening messages via social platforms. The bully may also gain access to your child’s computer passwords and log in to their personal accounts to leave hurtful posts, change your child’s personal information or even impersonate your child. Cyberbullies may make hurtful posts or comments about your child.

What Are Signs that Cyberbullying Is Taking Place?

Whether your child is bullying, being bullied or witnessing bullying, there are signs to look for.

• Your child may often appear upset before or after using technology.
• They avoid school functions or social gatherings or appear withdrawn at home.
• They display signs of stress or even depression.
• You notice changes in sleeping, appetite and mood.
• Your child hides their screen or device when others are near and avoids discussion about what they are doing on their device.

How Do I Confront my Child About Cyberbullying?

Your child may often be afraid to tell you that they are being bullied because they think it might make the situation worse. Your child may be afraid that you will suspend their technology privileges to prevent cyberbullying. Assure your child that the bullying is not their fault, and talk about it calmly.

How Can I Help?

First, don’t wait to talk to your child until something happens. Establishing rules and having an open dialogue about the seriousness of cyberbullying and what to do is important. They should know that you can monitor and read any messages at any time. Enforce allowing the use of only age-appropriate apps.

If you know cyberbullying is taking place:

• Talk to and support your child. If they’re the victim, they have done nothing wrong. Find out when it started, what messages are being posted and who is involved.
• Schedule an appointment with a school administrator to explain the situation.
• Save all documented accounts of cyberbullying that your child has shared with you. Let them know that cyberbullying is taken seriously and could be criminal.
• Try blocking the cyberbully from your child’s devices.
• Schedule a mediation between the cyberbully and your child. This should be done under the supervision of a school administrator or counselor.
• Try to determine if more professional support is needed for those involved, such as speaking with a guidance counselor or mental health professional
• Develop open communication with your child about their online world. This way, you will have a better idea when something appears out of the ordinary.

Related:
TikTok and Children
Stress and Children: Identifying Signs and Finding Solutions