Signs of Cyber-Bullying & How to Stop It

Cyber-bullying can have damaging psychological effects on children.

Cyber-bullying refers to the harassment of a child or adolescent through digital media like the Internet, cell phones and other interactive technology. The harassment is usually name-calling or threats by classmates or other peer group members. Cyber-bullying can have a devastating effect on children and should not be ignored. Monitor online activities and cell phones to ensure that your child is not the victim or the bully.

The Victim

If your children are the victims of cyber-bullying, they may begin to exhibit certain behaviors around communicative technology. Victims of cyber-bullying may stop using the computer unexpectedly or appear depressed or frustrated after being online. They may avoid discussions of their online activities or cell phone correspondence. Victims may also grow withdrawn from family members and appear uneasy about going to school.

The Bully

If you suspect your children may be bullying others, it is especially important to monitor their activities. Signs of bullying include switching computer screens quickly when you enter the room and avoiding discussion of their online activities. Bullies tend to use multiple accounts or the accounts of others to harass their victims. They may use the computer and cell phone for hours at a time and grow unusually angry if they cannot. Monitor for excessive or mean-spirited laughter or negative comments about their peers.

Prevention

Cyber-bullying prevention is similar for the parents of the victim and the bully. Monitor the activity of your children online and use parental controls for younger children. Research the minimum age for social networking sites; most do not allow users younger than 13 or 14. Educate your children about the dangers of giving out personal information online, especially home addresses and cell phone numbers. Do not allow young children to have a computer in their bedrooms or in a place where you cannot effectively monitor their activities.

Take Action

If you suspect your child is the victim of cyber-bullying, take action immediately. Sit down with your children and discuss the situation with them calmly and kindly. Children may be reluctant to talk initially due to feelings of embarrassment or shame. Block the bully from online messengers or social networking sites. Limit your child's online activities until the bullying has subsided. If the problem is severe, contact the school. More schools are implementing cyber-bullying protocols, and the bully's parents may be unaware that the harassment is occurring.

Considerations

Avoid directly confronting the bully and contain your anger around your child. Confronting or harassing the bully online may result in legal charges against you. If you exhibit anger around your child, he may take on additional feelings of guilt. Always be supportive and calm when discussing cyber-bullying.

References

• Cyberbullying Warning Signs
• CNN Living: Signs your kid is being cyberbullied; Jennifer L. Nelson; October 2010
• University of Michigan: Signs That a Child May Be a Victim of Cyberbullying