Cyberbullying occurs when a child or teenager is insulted, tormented or harassed while using a digital device such as a computer or a cell phone. It has become increasingly popular as more people begin to use technology and social-networking tools such as cell-phone texting or MySpace. The best way to take on cyberbullying as a parent is to be informed about the problem and take immediate action.
Reasons
According to cyberbullying.us, the two main reasons why cyberbullies harass people are that they have a vendetta against another person or they are being influenced by others. Some children explain that they feel intimated by certain people and think that making fun of them online or on a phone is easier than confronting them face to face. If you find out that your child is cyberbullying, it is best to explain and discuss the legal ramifications that could occur, such as being ticketed or sent to a juvenile detention center.
Identification
It is important to know the signs of cyberbullying and where it can occur. Today, teenagers and some younger children use some of the following technology: chat rooms, email, text messaging, or social networking sites (such as MySpace and Facebook). To identify bullying, pay attention to your child's behavior toward technology. He may wish to spend less time on the computer or may show signs of becoming detached from family and friends. After-school bullying could also be an indication; signs of this include coming home late or having bruises or tattered clothing.
Effects
When cyberbullying takes place, a child may feel unsafe anywhere, even in her own home. Poor performance in school is common, since the victim and offender may be in the same classroom at the same school. The victim may be unable to concentrate at tasks at hand. A more extreme effect of cyberbullying is depression. A child can feel as if there is no way out of being tormented, whether it is at school, at home, on a computer or via a cell phone. Depression has serious consequences, such as detachment and in some cases wishing to pose physical harm to oneself.
Prevention
One of the most effective ways to prevent cyberbullying is to educate your children about what cyberbullying is and why it is important to avoid participation. Monitor your children's activity online and keep their Internet exposure minimal. Educators state that the earlier you can catch cyberbullying, the easier it is to extinguish the behavior before it has a strong emotional impact on the victim. There are Web filters available online, and some computers already have one installed. Use a Web filter to block unwanted sites, such as social networking. Tell your children what is and is not accepted as good behavior online. Educate them as to what the consequences can be for bullying someone over the Internet or on a phone.
Solution
Let your child know that it is okay to talk to you about what happens outside of school, and that it is important to know when someone is tormenting them. Try to talk with the parents of the cyberbully if possible. Let them be aware of the behavior their child is displaying. Sit down with a representative from your child's school such as a teacher and principal. Discuss any policies the school has on using the Internet and observing its usage by students.
