Cyberbullying is an alarming issue that affects many teens. Pew Research reported that as of 2022, about 46% of American teens have been on the receiving end of cyberbullying. It's a horrifying statistic and has worrying implications for our society.
A Disclaimer
Cyberbullying is a term that is used to encompass a large number of online behaviors. To get on the same page, it's important that we all define cyberbullying the same way.
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. - stopbullying.gov
Note that for something to be "bullying," it needs to be intentional and habitual. For example, if someone calls your teen a nasty name online one single time, it's still rude and not appropriate, but it isn't bullying. Now if they are calling your teen nasty names over several days or weeks, or they are encouraging other people to join in on the name-calling over a period of time, then it would be classified as bullying.
If someone has been nasty to your child online, still have a conversation with them about how it made them feel and what they can do to respond. Make sure they understand the difference between being nasty and bullying.
What Next?
You've heard from your teen and you believe they have been on the receiving end of cyberbullying. As a parent, hearing that your child is being cyberbullied can be incredibly upsetting, but it's crucial to take immediate and constructive action.
Stay Calm and Supportive: The first and most important step is to remain calm and be a source of support for your child. Let them know that you are there to help and protect them. If you panic, they are more likely to do so.
Listen and Validate: Encourage your child to open up about their experiences. Listen without judgment and validate their feelings. Let them know that their feelings are real and important.
Document the Evidence: Advise your child to save any messages, posts, or screenshots related to the cyberbullying incident. This evidence can be valuable if you need to involve authorities or school administrators.
Educate Your Child About Privacy: Teach your child about privacy settings on social media and the importance of not sharing personal information online. Ensure they understand the risks associated with sharing information with strangers.
Block and Report: Instruct your child on how to block and report the cyberbully on the platform where the harassment is occurring. Blocking prevents further contact, and reporting alerts the platform administrators.
Limit Online Presence: Temporarily restrict your teen's online presence to minimize exposure to the bully. This can include adjusting privacy settings, temporarily deactivating accounts, or changing usernames. Make sure your teen understands that they aren't disconnecting as a punishment - that they are doing so to protect themselves.
Contact the School: If the cyberbullying involves classmates, contact your child's school. Share the evidence you've collected and request their assistance in addressing the issue. Be aware that schools in most states are limited in the disciplinary action they can take about cyberbullying unless it takes place on school-owned devices or in the school building. That can be challenging to demonstrate, so many school administrators may refer you to the authorities.
Involve Authorities: If the situation escalates or involves explicit threats, contact local law enforcement. Cyberbullying can be illegal, and authorities can investigate and take appropriate action. While it may seem drastic to involve the legal system when children are involved, it is important to prioritize your teen's safety.
Seek Professional Help: If your child is experiencing significant emotional distress, consider involving a mental health professional who specializes in working with children and adolescents.
Monitor and Maintain Open Communication: Continue to monitor your child's online activities while maintaining open and regular communication. Encourage them to report any future incidents promptly.
Promote Offline Activities: Encourage your child to engage in offline activities and hobbies to reduce the negative impact of cyberbullying on their well-being.
Encourage Empathy and Kindness: Teach your child about the importance of empathy and kindness both online and offline. Encourage them to support others who may be going through similar situations.
Cyberbullying is a concerning issue that can have profound effects on your teen's mental and emotional well-being. As a parent, it's your responsibility to take action, provide emotional support, and take practical steps to address the situation. By following the steps outlined above, you can help protect your child and guide them through the challenges of cyberbullying, ensuring their online experiences are safer and more positive.
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