There’s something about the anonymity and ease of digital communications that often brings out the worst in people, including children.
Unlike face-to-face bullying, however, one plus about bullying that occurs online is that it leaves a digital footprint that can be used to help find the bully and end the abuse.
Types of cyberbullying
According to UNICEF, cyberbullying can take place on any type of platform, from social media to gaming platforms. It is defined as repeated behavior aimed at scaring, angering, or shaming their targets.
Examples include:
- spreading lies about or posting embarrassing photos of someone on social media
- sending a hurtful message or threats via messaging platforms
- impersonating someone and sending mean messages to others on their behalf
What to do about cyberbullying
If your child is being bullied, teach them to:
- ignore the bully, because if bullies don’t get the reaction they’re hoping for, they’ll typically lose interest
- block all messages from the bully
- save all bullying messages for evidence
- report the bully to school authorities and/or the Internet platform on which it’s occurring
How to prevent cyberbullying
Teach your kids to:
- always log out of their accounts
- use the highest privacy settings available
- never share their passwords with friends
Most important is to talk to your child proactively. Because only eight percent of victims tell their parents about it, don’t assume your child will tell you when they’re being bullied online.
Let them know that cyberbullying is very common due to the ease of digital technology, and that they have nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about if it happens to them. Be sure they know that it’s not their fault if they’re being bullied.
Resources
Kids who are being bullied on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, can report their abuse to each platform.
Other platforms with similar reporting tools include:
Other useful online resources include:
- Common Sense Media, which provides age-specific advice, videos, and articles, and more
- How to Prevent Cyberbullying: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Youth, a comprehensive guide from StopBullying.gov
If your child is the victim of hate crimes, threats of violence, stalking, or breaches of privacy, report it to your local law enforcement agency.
