CYBERBULLYING – HOW IT AFFECTS YOUR CHILD

By Larissa Mills

“Cyberbullying involves the use of communication technologies such as the Internet, social networking sites, websites, email, text messaging and instant messaging to repeatedly intimidate or harass others.” One in three children have seen cyberbullying. This is higher than in-person bullying. (PREVNet)

Cyberbullying includes:

Sending mean or threatening emails or text/instant messages.
Posting embarrassing photos of someone online.
Creating a website to make fun of others.
Pretending to be someone by using their name.
Tricking someone into revealing personal information and sending it to others.

Visit www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj/bull-inti/index-eng.htm to read more.

What can you do if your child is victim to cyberbullying?

Walk away or leave the online conversation.
Keep track of the bullying (save a screenshot of the online message).
Tell a trusted adult. If you don’t trust anyone or need to speak with someone urgently, contact the confidential and toll-free Kids Help Phone.
Report the bullying to school administrators.
Report criminal offences, such as threats, assaults and sexual exploitation to the local police detachment.
Report unwanted text messages to your telephone service provider.
Report online bullying to the social media site and block the person responsible.

What to do if someone you know is being bullied?

If you feel it’s safe to do so, tell the bully to stop.
Find friends/students/youth or an adult who can help stop it.
Befriend the person being bullied and lead them away from the situation.
Report it to a teacher or school staff.
Fill out an anonymous letter and drop it off to a teacher or any adult you trust.
Ask your child to speak to them and seek adult help.
Teach your child to stand up to bullies

If there is bullying, nip it in the bud.

Talk to all involved immediately. Here are a few tips before you approach another parent.
Don’t rush out. Take the time to cool down first. Wait 24 hours before you do anything.
Focus on possible solutions and strategies.
Collect evidence. Install apps on your children’s phones – it protects them.
Decrease phone time – this is what the mental health associations, medical professionals, teachers and psychologists are stressing.

See full article with legal details on website at www.iparentgen.com.

Larissa Mills, B. A., M.Ed. is the founder
of Iparentgen.com. She is a mother of three, a Parent Coach and a 4KIDS Sports & Educational Consultant.