How to deal with Cyberbullying
In the past bullying would happen while in campus, now it can 24/7. Students big, small and even as young as a three-year-old could become a victim of Cyberbullying that can have an adverse effect on the mental state and manifest in health problems and even lead to suicide.
Bullying involves the use of online platforms, such as social media, messaging apps, and online games, to harass, intimidate, or harm others. As children and teenagers increasingly engage in online spaces where boundaries between the public and private are blurred, managing this issue has never been more urgent.
It happens by insults, harassment, taunts, hoaxing, and impersonation. Cyberbullying encompasses a wide range of harmful behaviours, from sending abusive messages and posting embarrassing photos or videos, to spreading malicious rumours or threats.
The unique danger of cyberbullying lies in its anonymity. This provides bullies with a sense of empowerment, enabling them to behave in ways they might not face-to-face. Consequently, the impact on victims can be severe, with lasting psychological consequences that can affect their mental health and self-esteem.
Recognising the signs of Cyberbullying
Children who are subjected to cyberbullying may not immediately report their experiences due to fear of retaliation, embarrassment, or worries about losing access to their devices. Parents need to be vigilant and aware of the signs of distress. Key indicators include:
- Withdrawal from social activities or friendships
- Sudden decline in academic performance
- Emotional distress, such as sadness, anxiety, or anger
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Avoidance of school or social events
- Increased secrecy surrounding online activities
What should parents do if they suspect Cyberbullying?
If you suspect your child is being cyberbullied, it’s important to remain calm and offer support. Acting impulsively can worsen the situation. Instead, follow these steps:
- Stay Calm and Supportive: Reassure your child that they are not at fault and that you will work together to resolve the issue. Make sure they feel understood and supported.
- Gather Evidence: Before deleting harmful content, take screenshots or save records of abusive messages or posts. This evidence can be essential if the situation needs to be reported to authorities or platform administrators.
- Report the Abuse: Guide your child through the process of reporting the bullying to the relevant platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat. Many platforms have tools for reporting harmful behaviour and blocking or muting the person responsible.
- Involve the School or Organisation: If the bullying is linked to a school environment, it’s essential to inform staff members. Most schools have anti-bullying policies in place that can help address the situation.
- Seek Professional Help: If your child shows signs of emotional distress, consider seeking professional support, such as counselling, to help them build resilience and cope with the effects of bullying.
- Set Boundaries with Technology: Encourage your child to take breaks from screens and help them adjust privacy settings on their devices. This can reduce their exposure to harmful content and mitigate the risk of further abuse.
Schools have an important role to play in this process by implementing digital citizenship programmes. These programmes teach students about respectful online behaviour, the potential consequences of cyberbullying, and how to report harmful activity.
Parents should also teach their children how to handle online conflicts, identify cyberbullying, and protect their personal information. Encouraging children to become ‘upstanders’—individuals who take action against bullying—is crucial. An upstander intervenes or supports victims by reporting incidents or offering encouragement, rather than being a passive bystander.
Conclusion
Cyberbullying is a pervasive issue that can have severe emotional and psychological effects on young people. However, with the right approach, parents, teachers, and the wider community can work together to mitigate its impact. By educating children about online safety, encouraging empathy and respect, and ensuring they know how to seek help, we can equip young people with the tools they need to navigate the digital world safely. With collective action, we can help protect our children from the dangers of cyberbullying, ensuring they can enjoy the benefits of the digital world without fear.
Forms of Cyberbullying
Catfishing: Creating a fake identity to deceive others
Cyberflashing: Where explicit content is sent without consent
Ghosting: Ignoring someone’s messages without explanation) and ‘outing’ (sharing private information) can also cause significant distress to the victim
If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to address the issue with sensitivity and openness. Creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences is vital