How to Protect Your Kids from Cyber-Bullying

With the increase of technology, anyone can fall victim of cyberbullying at any time.

Posted on

20 October 2016

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How to Protect Your Kids from Cyber-Bullying

We’ve all seen how the internet and social media have helped spread aggression and hostility to anyone, anywhere.

Although cyberbullying can affect anyone, it takes a particularly destructive toll on kids and teens who are vulnerable by nature.

In order to protect your children from this sort of abuse, it is important to understand what cyber bullying is.

What is cyberbullying?

Like bullying, cyberbullying is a sort of abuse that takes place online through any electronic device such as cell phones, computers, tablets etc.

Additionally, online tools such as social media websites, text messages, chats, forums and other websites can help increase the risk of cyber bullying as it opens channels of communication for any and every one to connect to one another.

How is cyberbullying different from traditional bullying?

It is said that kids who are victims of cyberbullies are often bullied in person as well. However, there are a number of different ways that cyberbullying differentiates from traditional bullying.

Cyberbullying can happen at any time of the day, as children have constant access to technology and the internet.

Those who are being cyberbullied may not know who the bully is as online posts can be made anonymously or through an unknown account, therefore, making it difficult to trace the source.

Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying spreads much faster and to a larger audience.

How to prevent cyberbullying

In order to prevent cyberbullying it is important to be aware of your children’s online activities. Cell phone and computer rules must be enforced, not only for the issue of bullying, but for the children’s health, safety and overall wellbeing.

By setting rules and boundaries as a parent, you are essentially minimizing the chances of your child from being victimized from cyberbullying and harassment.

What your kids need to know

Never under any circumstances should you give your personal information online.

Don’t give out your password unless it is to your parents.

If you are being bullied online, do not reply. Instead, save the message and show it to your parents.

Don’t open unknown emails.

Be careful with your words. Before sending a message to someone, make sure that it will not have any negative or unfriendly repercussions.

Always report cyberbullies to an adult.

Use your online profile to promote kindness and politeness.

What parents can do to help their prevent cyberbullying

Put your computer in a centralized location in your home so that you can monitor your child’s behaviour. Body language is everything!

Set up your children’s email and chat accounts with them. Ensure that their accounts do not contain any personal information.

Periodically check your child’s profile page and the friends that they have added. Do they know them personally or have they met online?

Learn the slang! Children have new slang words, some are harmless and some are worrying. Make sure that you are up to date with the day-to-day slang so you can stay on the same level with your kids.

Explain the effects of cyberbullying to your children. Have a conversation with your kids and ask them if they have been bullied online.

Talk to your children about the consequences of cyberbullying and what happens to cyberbullies when they are reported.

Befriend your kids and make sure that they know that they can talk to you about anything. Make sure they understand that they will not be punished or blamed for being cyberbullied.