Cyberbullying

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Definition:

“aggressive, intentional act carried out by a group or individual, using electronic forms of contact, repeatedly and over time against a victim who cannot easily defend himself or herself.”

three criteria:

• intent to harm, 
• imbalance of power, and 
• repetition of the act.

Negative effects:

• Academic struggles. 

Kids may avoid going to school, have trouble concentrating in class, or even drop out of school.

• Physical and mental health. 

Bullying increases a child’s risk for depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies and sleep problems.

More disastrous than bullying:

• Because can take palce anytime & anyplace
• Difficulty in tracing the bully incase of anonymous bullying
• Mean posts can quickly spread, cause more hurt and embarrassment to child.

Measures:

Parents can protect vulnerable children by following these simple rules. 

The Takeaway:

Don’t threaten to take away your child’s device or cut their time online. They may see this as punishment and be less willing to tell you about bullying situations in the future.

Document:

If there is online evidence, save a screenshot. This may be helpful if it becomes necessary to report the event.

Support:

Talk with your child about the experience. Studies show that having just one person listen and support kids who have been bullied helps them better able to handle the situation in a healthy way.

Report:

Most online platforms have reporting system, to take appropriate action in case of misconduct.

Digital Parenting Skills:

Teach the child

• Never disclose your personal information or revealing pictures on internet.
• Avoid chatting with strangers or “friends of friends”. 
• Never click the “save password” icon. 
• Contact local cyber crime branch or webmaster if harassed.
• Use media judiciously and wisely.
• Formulate a media use plan and stick to it
• Parents should teach cyber ethics to your child.
• The WWW approach.
• "Who” they talk to when online, 
• “Where” they go online and 
• “What” they do online.