When you think of bullying, what do you think about?
Being shoved in a hallway? Passing a mean note in class? Being shunned from the popular kids’ table at lunch?
Those were common bullying tactics in the past. But now, in a world where technology is constant, bullies have moved from school hallways into our homes. When our kids receive a text, tweet or notification, a bully can virtually enter our homes, a place that should always feel like a safe haven.
The National Center for Education Statistics stated that only 23% of students who reported being cyberbullied notified an adult.
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology like computers, cell phones and tablets. This technology also includes the tools used to communicate on those devices, such as social media channels, apps and text messages. Cyberbullying can be in the form of a negative comment on a Facebook status or a harsh series of text messages.
Although we’ve been dealing with bullies for generations, cyberbullying is not something that should be downplayed as a normal occurrence. Being a victim of cyberbullying can negatively impact a child’s mental, physical and emotional health, as well as their perception of school. These issues can persist into adulthood, so it is important to address them quickly. Children often do not discuss their experiences with bullies out of fear or embarrassment; therefore, parents should create a safe communication environment to help them feel supported.
Here are some tips on how to address cyberbullying if it is affecting your child.
Encourage open dialogue
The National Center for Education Statistics states that only 23 percent of students who reported being cyberbullied notified an adult. It is crucial to create an environment where your child feels he or she can come to you for help. By regularly talking to your children about their online experiences and assuring them that they can confide in you, you can create a safe and open space for discussion.
Do your research
In order to help your child deal with cyberbullying, you should have a good grasp on what cyberbullying is, what means are used and what signs to look out for. Being able to identify warning signs, such as your child becoming upset after using his or her phone or computer, having an unexplained decline in grades or refusing to go to school, can help you decide if you should suspect cyberbullying and to know what steps to take.
Be supportive
If your child opens up about being cyberbullied, this is a time to be understanding, not critical. You should be supportive, listen to their story and come together to find a solution. It is also important not to downplay the situation. Having a “kids will be kids” mentality can cause your child more emotional harm and deter him or her from opening up. You should express gratitude to your child for confiding in you and encourage continued open communication.
Teach and learn
Discussing cyberbullying is a great teaching and learning opportunity for both you and your child. You can teach your child about appropriate technology use and establish rules together. Also consider sharing what you’ve learned about dealing with bullies, referencing your own personal experiences. Since your experiences may be different from what your child is experiencing, carefully listening to your child is the best way to understand what he or she is going through.
Reach out
If your child is experiencing cyberbullying, don’t be afraid to reach out to your child’s school guidance counselor, a teacher and/or principal so that they can watch for troubling interactions and help find possible solutions to the problem.
What if your child is the bully?
Realizing your child is a cyberbully can be difficult to accept. A child becoming a bully is often a cry for help so it is important to address the problem immediately. Firmly address the issue with him or her and emphasize the consequences that can emerge due to these actions. Consulting a school official, counselor or therapist to get to the root of why your child has become a bully can also reduce the odds that the bullying behavior will continue. Consider placing restrictions on their technology use until the behavior improves.
By Staff Writer Tatyana White-Jenkins
