Standing Ground: Tackling Cyberbullying | Make Parenting Easier

In the vast expanse of the digital world, the menace of cyberbullying lurks in many corners, awaiting an opportunity to pounce on the vulnerable. It’s a sinister modern-day dilemma that continues to wreak havoc in the lives of numerous children and adolescents.

Whether during our school years or as professionals, it seems to have the ability to creep in and affect every corner of society. Sadly, those bullied often feel so ashamed that they don’t seek help. They try to hide, shut down, and sometimes act stupid.

That is why you must talk with your kids about bullying before it happens to them or they unknowingly do it to someone.

As our children spend more time in the digital world, their exposure to cyberbullying has also increased significantly. In this article, we’ll delve into the risks associated with online harassment and share some practical strategies to help you safeguard your child against cyber bullies.

Table of Contents

Online Harassment: Understanding the Risks

Cyberbullying is when an individual uses the internet to threaten, embarrass, or target another person. It typically occurs on computers, tablets, smartphones, and gaming systems.

This behavior can sometimes cause actual harm to individuals and is illegal in many places. Such laws highlight the importance for us, as parents, to educate our children about the repercussions of bullying in any form.

Identifying online harassment can often be straightforward, especially when it involves clear instances of mean, cruel, or harsh texts, comments, or posts shared by someone. However, some actions are more harmful, like posting someone’s personal information or using photos and videos to embarrass or harm another person.

In extreme cases, individuals create fake accounts or usernames to engage in harassment, making it difficult to know who the bully is.

Effects of Cyberbullying

What Are the Effects of Cyberbullying on Children?

Children often find themselves targets of bullying, so we must recognize if our child is facing bullying to help them cope and overcome it. Unfortunately, due to the shame and distress they endure, many don’t confide in their parents about their disheartening experiences.

Here are some of the effects of cyberbullying:

Feelings of sadness, fear, or embarrassment can lead to mood shifts, self-esteem decline, and depression.
Coping with stress, anxiety, and anger may sometimes result in aggressive behavior and a tendency to misuse prohibited drugs.
Embarrassment and humiliation can sometimes cause kids to withdraw from social interactions, leading to feelings of isolation and exclusion.
Stress, anxiety, and anger can take a toll on your child’s physical health, potentially causing gastrointestinal problems like stomach ulcers, nausea, or sleep disorders.
Struggling to sleep can result in difficulties concentrating at school, leading to poor academic performance.

While there are times when bullies manage to escape the consequences of their hurtful actions, they can end up facing serious repercussions when parents and teachers become aware of their behavior.

When it comes to cyberbullying, the rules differ from one state to another.

In Florida, for instance, the law instructs schools to suspend or even expel students who engage in online harassment. And in Missouri, individuals who use social media for violent threats may face criminal charges.

Signs to Watch Out For

As mobile technology advances rapidly and the demand for smartphones grows, it has become increasingly common for children to have access to these devices from a young age. Most parents do not realize that such easy access can sometimes open the door to potential danger: online harassment.

Here are 6 warning signs that parents should look out for to better recognize cyberbullying:

Anxiety

Feeling uneasy, scared, or nervous when heading to school or stepping outside

That is a significant sign that your child might not feel at ease in their school surroundings or being with their peers. Be on the lookout for additional indications, like if your kid repeatedly requests to stay home from school or makes calls asking to be picked up early during the school day.

Standing Ground: How to Tackle Cyberbullying Head-on | Make Parenting Easier

Seemingly nervous or easily startled when texting or using social media

Is your child getting extra anxious whenever they’re around their phone, laptop, or tablet when you’re nearby?

Example:
13-year-old Ollie has always been a cheerful and outgoing girl. But lately, her parents noticed that she seems visibly nervous whenever she receives a text or notification.
One evening, her parents sit down to talk with her about it. They notice that her smile fades whenever Ollie’s phone receives a new message, and she quickly opens it with a hint of anxiety. When they ask her about it, she explains that she’s been receiving hurtful messages from someone at school.

Discontented

Being upset or frustrated after gaming or spending time online

Outbursts such as slamming their device shut or throwing it in the middle of using it can indicate that your child is experiencing online harassment.

Example:
Chauncey, a 14-year-old, loves playing video games and spending time with his friends online. He used to look forward to his gaming sessions, a fun way to unwind after school and connect with his peers.
One day, after a few hours of gaming, Chauncey suddenly slams his controller down and lets out a frustrated sigh. Concerned about his dissatisfaction, his parents approached him and asked what was wrong. He explains that he had been playing an online game with his friends, but a group of players he didn’t know started making fun of his skills. They were hurling insults, and it had become increasingly hurtful.

Reticence

Reluctance to share details about their online accounts and activities on the internet

Growing more secretive is another red flag when it comes to online harassment. Your child may attempt to keep what’s happening under wraps because many victims fear speaking out.

Creating a family agreement that sets out guidelines for your children’s online activities is one of the best ways to safeguard them from bullying.

Apathy

Shows less enthusiasm for their hobbies or favorite activities

If your child suddenly shows less enthusiasm for their favorite sport or hobby, this could indicate online harassment. It’s crucial to engage in a conversation with your child and encourage them to continue with activities that bring them happiness, irrespective of others’ opinions.

To ensure your child’s safety, it’s a good idea to talk to them about bullying before they encounter it.

Hint: When having this conversation, you can say:

Cyberbullying is similar to the hurtful actions or words you might encounter from some peers at school, but it happens online. It can be even scarier because abusers can hide behind anonymous profiles or contact you no matter how far away they are.
There are patterns to cyberbullying, so with some careful steps, you can protect yourself and feel more at ease online.

Withdrawn

The child suddenly appears depressed or distant from close family and friends.

It could be a cause for concern if your child seems unhappy and tends to isolate themselves in their room. To help lift their spirits, consider organizing a family outing to entice them out of their shell. It sends a message that the whole family is there to support them and provides an opportunity for bonding.

Also, ensure your child understands that you are always available if they need to talk about anything.

Suicidal ideation

Casually talking about suicide or attempting self-harm

This warning sign demands immediate attention, and it’s critical not to take these signals lightly. Reach out to a professional and consider involving the school if necessary. Be sure your child understands that your actions are driven by your love and strong desire to support and comfort them.

How Can You Help?

A minor disagreement on the playground can quickly escalate into a torrent of hurtful messages online.

We can take proactive measures to combat cyberbullying, such as educating ourselves and our children about digital etiquette, recognizing the signs of online harassment, and understanding the avenues available for reporting and seeking support. Through these steps, we can work towards fostering a safer and more understanding online environment.

Be there for them

Showing support and being there for your kids can make a world of difference. It can be as simple as listening, offering a shoulder or advice, or even just being a comforting presence. Here are some ways you can be there for them:

Be there to comfort and support

Sharing your personal experiences with bullying can help your child feel less isolated. It’s crucial to emphasize that the bullying they are facing is not their fault. Cyberbullying, more often than not, reflects the bully’s personal issues rather than the victim’s shortcomings.

It might be helpful to explain that some bullies act out due to their own self-esteem issues or problems in their personal lives. While this doesn’t excuse their actions, it might offer a broader perspective on the issue and comfort your child.

Commend your child for opening up to you about the bullying. Assure them you’re in this together, ready to find the best solution as a team. Your shared understanding and approach can be a significant step towards overcoming the effects of cyberbullying and helping others facing similar challenges.

There are apps and programs designed to help parents keep an eye on their child’s social media activities and notify them about any concerning language or images. Some tools even provide detailed reports of your kid’s online habits.

If you decide to go ahead with it, have an open conversation with them about why it is important and what you wish to achieve.

Stay involved in your child’s online experiences

Send your child a ‘friend’ or ‘follow’ request on their social media accounts.

However, avoid overstepping by leaving too many comments or posting on their profile.

Keep an eye on their posts and the websites they frequent, and stay informed about their online activities.

Understand that social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and YouTube have their policies regarding privacy, hate speech, and harassment. Use them to your advantage.

Get in touch

Get in touch with the school

Talk to the principal, school nurse, counselor, or teacher about what’s happening. Different schools, districts, and after-school programs have policies for dealing with cyberbullies, and, as mentioned above, can vary from place to place.

Before taking action, talk with your child and let them know about your intention to report the situation. In this way, you can work together to come up with a plan that makes you both feel at ease.

Contact the authorities

Report the messages to the authorities if they are threatening or disturbing. It is their job to ensure your safety. Use the reporting features on social media platforms to report harassment. You may also want to contact your mobile or internet provider; they may have solutions to block or limit messages from specific individuals.

In addition to safeguarding our children through education, it’s essential to take action against online scammers and protect others from falling victim to their schemes. By reporting these incidents, you can contribute to a safer digital environment for all. Here are a few websites you should check out to report online scams and incidents:

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): The FBI’s IC3 is a central hub for reporting internet-related crimes and scams, ensuring that authorities are aware of these activities.
StopBullying.gov – Cyberbullying Reporting: If you encounter cyberbullying, this resource offers guidance on how to report incidents and seek help.
Childnet International – How to Make a Report: Childnet International provides information on how to make reports regarding online safety concerns, especially those involving children.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC): NCMEC plays a critical role in preventing child exploitation, and they offer resources for reporting concerns related to online child safety.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Report Fraud: The FTC allows individuals to report fraud, including online scams, to help protect others from falling victim.

Advise your child

Advising your child on how to tackle cyberbullying effectively becomes a crucial necessity. It’s not merely about imparting knowledge but crafting a shield of awareness that can protect them when the cyberbullies strike. Through a blend of open conversations, understanding, and proactive strategies, you can equip your child with the arsenal needed to confront, combat, and conquer the distressing monsters of the online world.

Here are some basic tips that every child should know.

Do not engage the cyberbully

Doing so will escalate the situation further. It may feel right to defend yourself, but it’s better not to reply to abusive messages. Ignoring them can cause bullies to lose interest and move on.

Talk to someone

If you are upset about the bullying, talk to someone you trust. It could be a friend, teacher, or family member. In case your child agrees, meeting with a therapist can be a helpful way to process their feelings. A counselor at school could also work with your child individually or alongside the person responsible for the harassment.

Take screenshots and save records

Save all harassing messages, posts, or comments. They can be used as evidence with the bully’s parents, school, or even the police if needed.

Change your details

Consider changing your username, email, or phone number and share the new details only with close friends. You may also want to block the bully. Most devices offer features that allow you to block texts, emails, or messages from particular individuals.

Take a break

Even though it can sometimes be hurtful, many kids who experience cyberbullying can’t help but keep checking websites or their phones for new messages. To help with this, consider turning off text messages during certain hours. If online interactions attract you, it’s okay to step away. Turn off your devices and spend time in the real world.

Taking a Stand Against Cyberbullying

Navigating the digital realm alongside our children is a wise endeavor. Addressing cyberbullying relieves individuals and sparks a more significant shift in online behavior and culture.

Thankfully, there are ample strategies to counter cyberbullying. Initiating a conversation with a trusted adult who can offer insight is often a crucial first step.

We invite you to join our expansive endeavor to combat cyberbullying and foster a culture of kindness online. Feel free to reach out and share your encounters with cyberbullying.

Your narrative might be the beacon of hope for others grappling with similar adversities.

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