Social networks have woven themselves into the fabric of our daily existence, with even the youngest schoolchildren increasingly dedicating time to these platforms. Yet, few acknowledge the potential dangers linked to their use. One significant risk is cyberbullying, which can inflict severe harm on a vulnerable child’s psyche.
Classic bullying among schoolchildren is sadly not a new phenomenon. However, modern technology has introduced an additional dimension to it through computers and mobile devices. In the anonymous realm of social networks and online discussions, aggressors often feel emboldened by the absence of face-to-face interaction with their victims. Additionally, some bullies may not grasp the repercussions of their actions. The issue lies in the clandestine nature of all bullying. Frequently, victims remain silent, and confiding about their abuse can be a painful process for them. So, how can we shield our children from this? The key lies in equipping them with the skills necessary to avoid or confront bullying behavior. Failing to do so can significantly damage their self-esteem.
Pay attention to unusual behavior
However, the concern extends beyond self-confidence. Cyberbullying victims often experience depression; many young individuals turn to substance abuse for relief, and tragic outcomes like suicide are not uncommon. Recognizing that a child is enduring online bullying is far from straightforward. Experts suggest that several indicators may point to a child being a victim of cyberbullying. For example, a child might abruptly stop using the computer, begin evading conversations about their online activities, appear upset after checking messages on their mobile, and, much like victims of traditional bullying, may withdraw from interacting with family and friends.
How to fight cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is a delicate issue. The situation is often exacerbated by children’s reluctance to discuss their experiences with parents. They may fear an overreaction, misunderstanding, or even parental anger towards the content they have shared online. Therefore, it is crucial that your child knows they can always come to you for support. From there, you can take appropriate actions. If cyberbullying is prevalent among school staff, it is vital to report the issue to the school so that you can collaboratively resolve it. However, your battle against cyberbullying doesn’t end with stopping the aggressor’s attacks. The incident may have deeply impacted your child’s emotional well-being, so seeking help from an expert may be essential in helping them heal from the assault on their self-esteem.
Building self-esteem is fundamental
Typically, bullying victims blame themselves, attempting to comprehend the reasons behind such behavior. This is particularly concerning for children with low self-esteem as they may begin to question their worth even more. “Cyberbullying should never be taken lightly. Victims can face depression and anxiety, which may lead to suicide attempts. Long term, they often exhibit a greater propensity for depression in adulthood, harboring self-doubt, feelings of inferiority, and questioning their value.” Therefore, fostering a child’s self-esteem should serve as a fundamental objective. Nevertheless, there is no quick fix for self-confidence; it requires gradual development. Therefore, your best course of action is to assist your child in cultivating a robust sense of self-worth in their everyday lives.
7 principles of cyberbullying prevention that you should teach your children
- Do not share personal information.
- Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know.
- Refrain from conversing with individuals not known to you personally.
- Be mindful of the content you share.
- If an unfamiliar person attempts to communicate with you, block them; if you’re unsure how to do this, seek assistance.
- Whenever you stumble upon a certain webpage, exit it immediately.
- Be cautious of your online actions to prevent becoming a target of revenge-based bullying.
Alongside instilling these principles, specialists advise parents to utilize parental applications that enable them to monitor their children’s digital activities and understand their experiences. With excellent applications like the FamilyTime parental app, parents can:
- Trace their children’s browsing history, complete with timestamps, to determine if they’re seeking assistance or trying to escape cyberbullying.
- Examine the list of favorites and bookmarks stored in their web browser.
- Oversee all applications installed on their devices and assess the number of unsuitable ones.
- Review call logs, contacts, and SMS history.
- Block any unwanted or inappropriate applications.
Equipped with this information, parents can determine if their children are facing bullying and subsequently devise an appropriate response.
Utilize these recommendations to effectively prevent cyberbullying. Wishing you all the best in parenting!
