Cyberbullying Prevention: How to Keep Your Child Safe Online

The use of gadgets and the internet has made cyberbullying a far more serious problem than it was even a decade ago. Teens and younger children increasingly spend their time online; a high percentage of children use the internet daily.

Teens who engage in what is commonly referred to as "hyper-networking" are more likely to be victims of cyberbullying and also disclose more personal information on their social media accounts. Millions of kids and teens are being bullied on social media like Facebook; for instance, the previous year, many parents said they saw or experienced dangerous conduct while online. Children using vulgar words on each other is devasting.

There is a rise in depression, substance abuse, suicide, and mental health issues that have been associated with cyberbullying. Isolating children from social media won't help them become prepared for adulthood, even though parents may consider extreme steps to avoid the unimaginable.

8 Ways to Cyberbullying Prevention

Here are some ways to shield your children from the negative impacts of cyberbullying.

1. Establish Reasonable Limits on Technology Usage

Once youngsters gain access to devices, it is important to establish proper limits and permits for their use. Encouraging children to build a healthy sense of self apart from their digital identity and setting sensible limitations on their use of phones and computers at an early age will help them avoid developing an unhealthy addiction to these devices later in life. As they grow older, this makes it less difficult for kids to avoid harmful or unsafe online conversations.

2. Make Sure your Youngster Has an Open Line of Communication

Inspire your child to seek your guidance whenever he or she has concerns about his or her social interactions at school or with friends online. If they bring up the topic, discuss the healthy benefits of having access to technology.

3. Keep an Open mind and Seek Opportunities to Teach your Children

Bring up family-friendly topics like cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and news involving individuals or what is happening in the country. Make light of these occurrences to start a discussion with your child about appropriate and inappropriate behavior when using the internet and what to do during an online safety crisis. To better assist your child when experiencing problems online, inquire how they would react to such situations and solicit their opinions. Always be prepared to adjust your comments as your children grow older, so it's best to keep the conversations going.

4. Foster a Community Cognizant of Accepting Mental illness

Bullies frequently target vulnerable children who suffer from mental health issues, and keeping their struggles hidden and ashamed makes matters worse. Good news: you can do your part to reduce the stigma associated with these illnesses right at home by learning more about them and sharing that knowledge with your children. Mental disease, like any other sickness, is based on changes in the body, namely the brain's chemistry. Help your child or loved one who is dealing with mental illness get the treatment they need while also reassuring them that they are not defective just because they are experiencing symptoms. When you set a good example at home, you may help eradicate stigma where it matters the most. Also educate your children not to be bullies.

5. Keep an Eye out for any Changes in Behavior

Red signs of cyberbullying include your child's isolation, withdrawal, and aversion to things or social situations that they used to enjoy. Secretly reading their texts or private conversations without their consent is not a good idea. It might be the last resort if your child is not coming out of the shell after several conversations.

6. Keep track of your Child's time on the Internet and Other Devices

It may be a red flag if you see a sudden increase in your child's internet usage or if they appear emotionally or physically absorbed in their device. If you need to access your child's internet account, the best thing to do is to tell them in advance that you would; it's wise to talk to them about it (or at least get their approval if necessary) before you do so. Make them reason with you why you think the action is required, and ask for their help in deciding what to do next.

7. Respond with Composure and Empathy

Parents must act and reassure their children to always be their confidant; this will make it easy for the child to confide in you about cyberbullying or other harmful online behavior. When that happens, first, express your gratitude for them speaking out. After that, you can collaborate on a plan of action.

8. Keep The Broader View in Mind

Think about talking to school administration about potential events and activities that students may organize to combat cyberbullying on a school-wide level. Without putting an unwelcome emphasis on your child's experiences, these programs can raise awareness and involve students in actively preventing negative outcomes associated with social media.

Keeping Your Child Safe from Online Bullies

It is the parent's responsibility to help their children feel strong and capable in all aspects of life, including their online and offline interactions. You can raise your level of awareness, initiate a conversation, seek assistance, and take action when necessary to protect your child from cyberbullying. Keep them safe from online bullies and teach them never to be bullies.