How to protect kids from cyber bullying

Bullies have always been around us, but the advancement in technology opens a wider option for their actions. Children these days use technology for different reasons. They use it to play games online or in order to send text messages at an early age. Most of these children are constantly connected to the internet. Cyber bullying is to deliberately use digital media in order to communicate false, embarrassing or hostile information about or to another person. At times, these cyber bullies create a fake account or online page with the sole intention of harassing or
bullying. Adolescent girls are more likely to experience cyber bullying. Cyber bullies are usually ones classmates, friends or someone you know. Recent studies show that about 1 in 4 teens have been a victim of cyber bullying at any point in their life. Experts also say that a kid who has ever been bullied in his life often has a higher risk at suicidal thoughts. As long as a kid has access to a phone or computer they are at a great risk. Many kids do not feel comfortable sharing their online experiences with their parents or elder members of the family. They often feel ashamed of the social stigma that they will have to face.

But in order to protect your children from cyber bullying, parents need a little advice every now and then. Parents should know how to talk to their kid on tough subjects such as sex, pornography and so on. They should always be ready to provide their help and support to children. Here are a few tips that you need to follow in order to know whether your kid is a victim of cyberbullying.

Ways to know your kid is a victim of cyber bullying

Act out in anger: When a kid is a victim of cyber bullying, he/ she often acts and responds things in anger. They get irritated on small and unnecessary things. They start feeling that they are trapped in a situation from which they cannot come out ever, making them all the more frustrated.

Changes in mood, behaviour or appetite: If your child eats less or faces lack of sleep then there is some serious issue that you need to take care of. Parents are advised to speak and discuss openly with their kids on these topics.

Don’t want to use computer or cell phone: Once kids become a victim of cyber bullying they find it uncomfortable to share such matters with parents. Such kids feel very nervous or jumpy on receiving an instant message or email. Not using their phones or computers is the best way for them to run away from this situation.

How parents can help

Offer Support: If you find that your kid is being cyber bullied, make sure to offer him/her your full support. Talk about your bullying experiences that you have ever had in your childhood. This will not let the child feel lonely.

Praise them: Discuss freely with your kids about everything. Let your child know that it is not his or her fault. Praise your child for doing the right thing by talking about the whole issue with you. Comfort them and make them understand they are not the only ones who are targeted but there are many more who have been a victim of cyber bullying at some point. Reassure your child and make them believe that you will figure out things together.

Encourage them not to respond: Encourage your children not to respond to cyber bullying as this can make the situation even worse. But make sure to keep the threatening messages, photos and texts with you. It might be of some help in the later time.

Do not share your details: Encourage them to safeguard their account passwords. Also encourage them never to post their address or whereabouts.