How to: Identify Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a pervasive issue that can deeply impact children, often leaving them feeling isolated, anxious, or depressed. As parents, it’s crucial to be vigilant about changes in your child's behavior that might signal they are experiencing online harassment. Below are key signs and actionable steps to help you identify and address the issue.
Behavioral & Emotional Changes
Children who are victims of cyberbullying often exhibit noticeable emotional and behavioral shifts. Look for the following:
Increased Anxiety Around Devices: If your child seems nervous or upset when receiving notifications or avoids using their phone or computer altogether, this could indicate distress related to online interactions.
Mood Swings: Sudden irritability, sadness, or anger without an obvious reason may be a sign of emotional turmoil caused by cyberbullying.
Withdrawal from Activities: A reluctance to participate in hobbies, sports, or social events they once enjoyed might suggest they are trying to avoid peers involved in bullying.
Secrecy Around Online Activity: If your child becomes secretive about their digital life—quickly closing browser tabs or hiding their screens—it may indicate they are trying to shield you from harmful messages
Physical Symptoms of Stress
Cyberbullying can manifest physically due to the stress it causes. Watch for:
Sleep Disruptions: Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, or excessive sleep could be linked to anxiety or fear stemming from cyberbullying.
Unexplained Health Complaints: Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or general complaints of being unwell could be stress-related.
Changes in Eating Habits: Loss of appetite or sudden overeating might signal emotional distress
What Parents Can Do
If you notice these signs, take proactive steps:
1.Open Communication:
Encourage your child to share their feelings without fear of judgment.
Reassure them that cyberbullying is not their fault and that you’re there to support them.
2.Monitor Online Activity:
Keep computers in shared spaces and discuss safe online practices.
Consider using parental control apps to monitor activity while respecting their privacy.
3.Document Evidence:
Save screenshots of harmful messages as evidence for reporting incidents to schools, service providers, or authorities.
4.Block and Report Bullies:
Teach your child how to block harassers and report abusive content on social media platforms.
Read our blog on how to report harmful content here.
5.Seek Professional Help:
If your child shows signs of severe distress, consult a counselor or therapist for emotional support.
6.Engage Schools and Support Networks:
Inform teachers or school counselors about the situation so they can provide additional support.
Leverage resources like ChildLine, NSPCC, and other organizations dedicated to helping children cope with bullying.
Recognising habit changes early can make a significant difference in addressing cyberbullying effectively. By fostering open communication and staying involved in your child’s digital life, you can create a safe space where they feel supported. Remember that taking action not only helps resolve the current issue but also empowers your child with resilience for future challenges
At Big Sister, we advocate for children's safety online. Our app marks a positive change in the way that our children are protected online, using flags and alerts to warn parents of dangerous content without breaking down trust and privacy barriers between children and adults.
Find out more about how to protect your children online without breaking their trust in our latest blog here.
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