Cyberbullying: Empowering Families to Safeguard Their Kids

Skip Myers

Cyberbullying has become a hot topic in the news and a very big concern for parents regarding the safety and emotional health of children. Unlike conventional bullying which is considered to be confined to specific spaces or places, cyberbullying starts online and can infiltrate every aspect of a child's life leaving them vulnerable, isolated, and potentially traumatized.

Cyberbullying involves various means to intimidate or threaten a person. It can take on many different forms including:

1. Sending hateful and mean-spirited messages: This involves sending texts, emails, private photos, social media posts or online comments to humiliate, embarrass, or upset the intended victim.

2. Spreading rumors, disinformation, or falsehoods: Cyberbullies are known to distort information about their victims and then intentionally spread rumors and falsehoods online to tarnish their victim’s reputation and social standing.

3. Sharing photos or videos: Cyberbullies might send actual or deepfake private images/videos of the victim without their consent causing significant emotional distress.

4. Exclusion or isolation: By excluding the victim from groups or activities cyberbullies make their victims feel very marginalized, alone, and isolated.

The Impact of Cyberbullying

The consequences of cyberbullying can be devastating for victims, in both short-term and long-term ways.

The impact of cyberbullying can cause distress, anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide. Students who are victimized may face many personal challenges, including in their academics, feeling socially isolated, and suffering from a decline in confidence and self-esteem.

What Families Can Do to Educate Their Children

Families must educate themselves with the knowledge about cyberbullying first before educating their kids.

Here are some important steps that families can take:

1. Communication is Key: Foster an environment of open and honest communication with your children about their online activities especially if they have knowledge of cyberbullying. Encourage them to share both positive and negative experiences they may have online with you.

2. Establish Clear Guidelines: Set rules for behavior that prioritize respect, empathy, and responsible digital citizenship. This means that they do not engage in any form of cyberbullying.

3. Privacy and Security Awareness: Teach your children about privacy settings. Show them how to safeguard their personal information on their computer and personal devices. Remind them to be cautious when sharing any personal details online.

4. The Power of Bystander Intervention: Educate your children on the importance of stepping in as bystanders when they see cyberbullying incidents. Encourage them to report instances to a trusted adult or authority figure.

5. Cultivate Empathy and Respect: Highlight the significance of empathy and treating others with respect both in the physical and digital world and during offline interactions. Help your children understand the potential consequences that their actions may have on others online if they engage in any form of cyberbullying.

6. Seek Support when Needed: Reassure your children that they are not alone if they experience cyberbullying incidents; help is available, through parents, teachers, or counselors who can provide guidance and support.

Strategies for Schools and Communities

Schools and communities have a role to play in addressing the issue of cyberbullying. Here are some approaches they can take:

1. Cyberbullying Policies: It's crucial to set up and enforce policies against cyberbullying that outline both the consequences and support measures for victims.

2. Cyberbullying Awareness Campaigns: Regular campaigns should be conducted to educate students, parents, and staff members about cyberbullying. These campaigns should focus on recognizing its signs and implementing prevention strategies.

3. Social and Emotional Learning: Including emotional learning programs in the curriculum can teach students skills such as empathy, conflict resolution, and responsible online behavior.

4. Reporting Mechanisms: It's essential to create reporting mechanisms for cyberbullying incidents, ensuring that reports are taken seriously and addressed promptly.

5. Counseling and Support Services: Victims of cyberbullying should have access to counseling services that assist them in coping with the impact of their experiences while also fostering empathy and support.

Conclusion

By promoting communication and establishing guidelines encouraging empathy and respect, families can play a crucial role in educating their children about cyberbullying prevention strategies while allowing them to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Similarly, schools and communities must bear some of the responsibility of creating environments that promote digital citizenship while providing effective support systems, for victims of cyberbullying.

Resources for Parents and Children

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

The ADAM Program

CyberTipLine

National Sexual Assault Hotline: a service of RAINN

Internet Safety Brigade

Office for Victims of Crime: Providers/Community Leaders

FBI Safe Online Surfing

Internet Safety 101: Rules ‘N Tools Checklist