Bullying has been around for decades, but cyberbullying is a newer epidemic that began with the introduction of smartphones, computers and social media. How serious is it? Over 50% of children admit to being cyberbullied at some point, while 87% of children admit to witnessing this terrible act. Unfortunately, all genders, ages and races are equally affected. Because cyberbullying is so prevalent, it’s important that parents take the time to learn more about it, especially because over half of the children surveyed who have been cyberbullied admit they don’t confide in their parents about it.
What is Cyberbullying?
Bullies no longer attack their victims in the school’s hallways or the classroom, instead they target them electronically through cell phones, computers and tablets. The attacks can occur anywhere from a private email or text message to popular social media apps such as Snapchat and Instagram. Cyberbullying can come in a number of different forms, from a mean text message to an embarrassing photo being circulated around to classmates at school and everything in between.
Some people shrug off cyberbullying, saying every kid goes through that stage where they may be bullied. But, make no mistake—cyberbullying is different. Whereas kids can usually escape their bully at school, cyberbullying can occur 24/7 since kids always have access to the internet. The effects of cyberbullying are more widespread, too. A mean tweet or text message can be sent to everyone in your child’s class within a few seconds, so the damage is greater.
Cyberbullying is no laughing matter, so parents should be aware of the signs their child is a victim.
What Are the Signs of Cyberbullying?
Every child responds to bullying in a different way. Some children may exhibit all of these warning signs, while others may not. But, the most common signs that signal your child is being cyberbullied include:
- Constantly feeling sick or faking injuries to get out of going to school
- Declining grades
- Loss of interest in after school activities
- Becomes distraught or irritated after checking his or her smartphone or computer
- Does not want to talk about what he or she does on his or her smartphone or computer
- Begins to avoid social situations
- Self-destructive behavior, such as running away from home or talking about suicide
As you can see from this short list, children can be greatly affected by cyberbullying. Children may experience feelings of anxiety or depression, lose sleep, or even begin to adopt unhealthy eating patterns. In some extreme cases, children have even committed suicide as a result of cyberbullying. But, it doesn’t have to go this far. Parents should know when and how to step in and protect their children from cyberbullies.
How Can Parents Help?
Parents should always provide their children a shoulder to lean on if they have been cyberbullied. Avoid using the old “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” argument and listen to their feelings instead. Kids need to understand their feelings are justified and you will be there for them emotionally if it happens again.
Always instruct your child to never write back or engage with a cyberbully—this is giving them exactly what they want. Instead, take screenshots or print out any evidence of the bullying and alert a teacher or police officer if the situation has escalated beyond your control. Don’t talk to the parents of the cyberbully because this could give the bully ammunition to target your child again. Instead, schedule a meeting with your child’s guidance counselor or principal to discuss what is being done at school to prevent cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying occurs everyday, but it doesn’t have to happen to your child. Together, parents, teachers and children can fight back against cyberbullies across the globe!
