Cyberbullying: What It Is and How to Protect Your Children

The internet has brought along many conveniences. Shopping, searching and being social have all become accessible with the click of an icon. Unfortunately, the convenience of connection has led to the development of something that negatively affects 1 in 3 children: cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is done online or through cell phones. Like its counterpart and predecessor, bullying, it involves humiliating, harassing and terrorizing the intended target. Parents should be aware of the impact cyberbullying may have on their child. It can cause low self esteem and can lead to a deterioration of their self confidence. Cyberbullies are not able to sense how hurtful their actions are because they are unable to witness the reactions of their victims, so they tend to torment further than other forms of bullying.

Some ways to protect your children include:

• Block communication from cyberbullies and delete messages before reading them
• Never post or share personal information online
• Never share their internet passwords with someone (other than a caregiver)
• Never put anything online through email or text that you wouldn’t want someone you don’t trust seeing
• Do not send messages or post anything online when they are upset

For more information on how to prevent cyberbullying or how to tell if this is affecting your family, visit here and here.

If you or someone you know feels suicidal as a result of cyberbullying, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).