Signs of Cyberbullying

It is hard for a victim of cyberbullying to escape. Technology has made it easier for people to intimidate one another because it is available all the time. In many ways, cyberbullying is much more invasive than classic taunting because it reaches inside our homes and can be broadcast to a worldwide audience.

Definition

Cyberbullying is a form of abuse that occurs electronically, either through text messages, via cell phones or on the Internet. Though it happens among adults, as technology reaches the hands of more children and teens, a growing number of them experience this form of techno-abuse. Cyberbullies can post threatening messages on message boards, upload embarrassing photos or video to personal websites, send intimidating text messages and create humiliating websites about their target.

Emotional Signs

When a teen seems fearful talking about her friends, it may be a sign she is being cyberbullied. Paranoia can accompany a traumatic cyberbully attack and she might feel nervous around any friends who may have witnessed or heard about it. Teens also tend to get emotionally distant when they are being demeaned. Possible humiliation might cause them to become withdrawn and feel as if they cannot make new friends.

Educational Signs

Cyberbullying, just like classic bullying that takes place at lunch or recess, can affect a student's performance. If a child was once attentive and participated often in class but suddenly becomes disinterested or overly shy, cyberbullying might be occurring. His grades might also fall despite tutoring or extra study time. A student's teacher can provide insight on his behavior and alert parents to changes in interest level or an increased level of teasing going on in the classroom.

Physical Signs

Changes in diet and increased stomach problems may indicate a child is being affected by a cyberbully. Often, emotional discomfort translates to stomach discomfort. A child may also react to the humiliation he feels by undereating. A sudden decrease in appetite might be a sign that something is wrong.

Evasion

Adolescents value their privacy, but if a teen is suspiciously closing windows whenever you walk into the room or completely clearing out her Internet history on a frequent basis, there may be some Internet activity that needs to be investigated. She might be embarrassed or humiliated because she is the victim of cyberbullying and she doesn't want you to find out about it. It is also possible she is cyberbullying someone else.

Long Hours Online

With an abundant selection of video games on the market and the addictive nature of social networking websites, it might be normal for children to spend a lot of time on the computer. Take note, however, if a child is suddenly online much more often than usual. If he is cyberbullying another child, he might be online longer to post pictures or write abusive comments. If he is being cyberbullied, he might not be able to tear himself away from the messages or comments being posted about him.