Cyberbullying

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. How can you help your kids avoid cyberbullying?

It can be hard because it occurs on various devices, including smartphones, desktops, tablets, and game consoles. Cyberbullying is harmful to people and, in some situations, illegal.

Cyberbullying can be easy to identify in some cases, such as when your child shows you a harsh, rude, or cruel text, comment, or post. Other behaviors are less evident, such as posting another person’s personal information online or utilizing images or videos that injure or shame them. 

Someone may create a phony account or screen name to harass and bully, and you will have no way of knowing who the bully is.

What are the consequences of cyberbullying?

Because of children’s continued access to their electronic gadgets, avoiding cyberbullying has become a challenge. Children and teenagers may feel like they never get a break and are acutely aware of the side effects.

Anxiety, sadness, and other stress-related issues can develop in extreme, pervasive, and persistent cyberbullying victims. Some children have attempted or died by suicide in rare instances.

Cyberbullies may also face suspension or expulsion from school and removal from sports teams. Children may face legal consequences depending on how serious the cyberbullying is.

What Are the Clues of Cyberbullying?

Many children and teenagers who suffer from cyberbullying are hesitant to tell a teacher, parent, or trusted adult because they are embarrassed or afraid their gadgets might get taken away from them at home.

There are different signs of cyberbullying, but it may include the following:

• ·experiencing mental distress while using the Internet or the phone

•  being very cautious or reticent about their digital life

• ·staying in their room more often than usual

•  detachment from or being reluctant in family, friends, and activities

•  avoiding gatherings at school or in groups

•  Failing grades and having anger issues at home

• Mood swings and behavior, sleep, or appetite changes

• ·Sudden urge to avoid using electronic gadgets

• being apprehensive or jittery when receiving a text, email, or phone call

• Avoiding conversations concerning one’s use of a computer or cell phones

How can parents help their children to avoid cyberbullying?

If your child is a victim of cyberbullying:

• Provide reassurance and assistance.

• Let your youngster know that they are not to blame.

• Notify the school.

• Teach your youngster to ignore cyberbullying and not to engage in it.

• Keep records.

• Get help.

What Else Should I Know?

If your child is the one who’s not behaving appropriately, how will you respond? Even though this is unpleasant, you must confront the issue head-on rather than hoping it will simply disappear.

Tell your youngster that bullying is unacceptable, no matter what the source is. If this behavior persists, you must impose and implement penalties. Teachers, guidance counselors, and others may assist if necessary.

Set a positive example for your children at all times. Teach kids how to evaluate the positives and negatives of living in today’s digital age. Using furious language in your postings or comments will lessen the likelihood that others will do the same. 

Let’s discuss healthy ways of responding to disagreements with someone.

These are just some of the ways you can help your kids deal with cyberbullying.

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