How to Help Your Children Avoid Cyberbullying

Bullying isn’t new to this generation, but with the addition of smartphones, the ways of bullying have changed. More children face threats, sexual harassment, rumors, and privacy violations. According to Pew Research (PRC), one-third of online teens experience cyberbullying. So how do teenagers avoid it, and how do we help its victims? Understanding who is at risk and how to handle online harassment is critical when it comes to dealing with cyberbullying.

Who Is at Risk?

Certain groups are more likely to face cyberbullying than others. Females suffer at higher rates than males, with 15-17 year-old females experiencing the most at 41%. Other at-risk groups include children with special needs and LGBTQ+ youth. In a study, 52% of LGBTQ+ youth ages 11 to 22 experienced cyberbullying multiple times. The age of victims is younger than expected, but with children owning smartphones as young as eight, these statistics are not surprising.

The problem of cyberbullying is getting its fair share of attention. Organizations and individuals are advocates for solutions like Former First Lady Melania Trump’s “Be Best” campaign. With all the focus on this issue, parents are looking for safe online spaces and asking if there’s a way to avoid it.

Where Does Cyberbullying Happen?

Social Media

With more children owning smartphones, social media is often pointed to when addressing cyberbullying. The ability for children to post and share makes bullying more accessible and effective. Privacy settings and timers on platforms like Snapchat can make them feel like adults won’t see their actions. It’s not only the bullies who think they aren’t being watched. Only 1 in 10 victims will inform an adult about online abuse. Privacy settings can block accounts, but some will continue harassment by creating fake ones.

Instant Messages and Texts

While stories of adults sending inappropriate texts to children haunt parents, most sexual harassment teens face online and via text is from other teens. Examples of this type of cyberbullying include harassment through derogatory comments and sexual harassment. Young girls are often the victims, but teenage boys are not immune. 24% of high-school teens (ages 14-17) and 33% of college students have been involved in some form of nude sexting. Sexual harassment can include sexual jokes, comments, rumors, and sending or demanding nude pictures. These can force children into uncomfortable situations and cause embarrassment if shared.

Emails

Parents may be surprised that many teens still use email, but according to Pew Research, 64% use it to communicate with friends. The greatest danger is sending private messages to large groups. Sharing an email is easy. With one click, pictures or passwords can be passed on thoughtlessly.

Ways To Avoid Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is more common than parents realize. Although safe online spaces are rare, there are ways to avoid and address it:

Block the Bully

Bullies have more access than before, but our children have tools. Victims can block bullies’ email, phone numbers, and social media accounts. They can also report harassment to the website or internet service provider. Several laws have been written to protect them against cyberbullying. Reporting and involving law enforcement is essential if the bully is identifiable and there are active threats. Laws against cyberbullying can help protect children and teenagers from unwanted online harassment.

Get Help

Many children don’t share cyberbullying experiences with their parents or adults. Teens often feel ashamed or worried their devices would be taken away. Parents can’t force their children to tell them when they’re being harassed, but there are some signs they can look for:

• Emotional during or after internet or phone use
• Secretive of digital life
• Withdrawal from family, friends, and activities
• Slipping grades
• Changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or appetite
• Wanting to stop using their computer or cellphone
• Nervous or jumpy when receiving messages
• Avoiding discussions about computer or cellphone use.

Keep Track

Parents and children dealing with cyberbullying should track the dates and times of messages, save screenshots of the bully’s message, email, and URL, and document each incident to report to law enforcement.

Don’t Ignore It

Not every child will face cyberbullying, but many may witness it. Parents should talk to children about not passing on these messages and contacting an adult. Before allowing access to social media sites, discuss bullying prevention measures. They should also talk to children about not passing on these messages and contacting an adult.

Cyberbullying is threatening our children with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. These rates will continue to rise if the problem isn’t addressed. The internet isn’t always safe, but parents can keep communication open with their kids and equip them with the tools to tackle cyberbullying when it happens to them or someone else. If we handle this problem as a community, the number of victims will fall, and the effects on our children’s futures will be less damaging.