5 Steps to Take if your Child is a Victim of Cyberbullying
Over the last decade, cyberbullying has become an increasingly common problem across the world. This problem has become even more prevalent in the past two years, thanks to COVID-19 forcing our children to take part in more online activities than ever before, whether it be schooling or recreationally. What is a parent to do when this is happening to their child? We have a few tips:
Ensure that your child feels (and is!) safe. Your child will likely feel better knowing that you are looking out for them and will keep them safe, no matter what they may have going on. It’s important to be an active and engaged listener during these times and to let your child know that they’re not alone.
Keep the evidence. Your child may be tempted to delete incriminating messages or posts made by their cyberbully, but it’s important to hold onto these! This way, if you decide to take the problem to school administrators or local law enforcement, you have proof to back up your claims. You should also make sure to keep track of when and how often the cyberbullying is taking place, as well as what platforms are being used.
Leave the bully’s parents out of it unless absolutely necessary. While it may be tempting to contact the other child’s parents and try to disengage the cyberbullying yourself, this can often escalate and make the situation worse. If you decide to take action, it should be through school administrators or law enforcement, especially if physical threats are involved.
Report the malicious content. Online platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even internet and cell phone companies, have strict content guidelines, and it’s a safe bet that if an individual is using those platforms for cyberbullying, they’re violating those guidelines. If the cyberbullying is based on sex, race, or disability, you can also contact the Office of Civil Rights, as this type of bullying is classified as discrimination.
If necessary, seek counseling. Being the victim of cyberbullying can be a traumatic experience for anyone, especially young children. It’s important that your child knows they have someone to talk to and can seek help if they feel they need it.
It’s important to bear in mind that you and your child are never alone in these situations. School administration, local law enforcement, and, of course, Digital Safety Group are all here to help if you need us. After all, your online safety is our top priority.