Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a concern for many parents. Media reports of tragic outcomes for teens who are cyberbullied only heighten these fears. Understand what it is and how to provide support to young people who encounter this behavior.
59%
Teenagers 13-17-years-old who have been cyberbullied or harassed online.
(Pew Research Center, 2018)
Higher Risk
LGBTQ teens are twice as likely to be cyberbullied as their heterosexual peers.
"People seem to think that words have less of an impact if they aren't spoken out loud, but it is actually more harmful behind a screen..." Female, 18 years old
What is it?
Cyberbullying is defined as bullying someone through devices such as cell phones, computers, or tablet.
Where?
Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content.
How?
Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include disclosing personal or private information about someone causing embarrassment or humiliation.
When?
Technology and accessibility to devices allows teens today to be constantly connected, allowing the behavior to occur anywhere and anytime.
(Hinduja & Patchin, 2019; www.stopbullying.gov)
Unique Characteristics of Cyberbullying
What to Look For
SIGNS
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Suddenly stops using their devices
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Appears anxious or annoyed when using their devices
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Hides screen and doesn't want to talk about what is happening online
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Appears angry, depressed, or frustrated after using their devices
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Changes accounts frequently
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Becomes withdrawn from friends and family
(Hinduja & Patchin, J.W.,2019;
https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/prevention)
How to Respond
Keeping the lines of communication is crucial so teens feel comfortable sharing their problem. Here are some strategies to deal with cyberbulling.
Only 1 in 10 teens will tell an adult they were cyberbullied.
STOP
Listen and support your child. Don't minimize the problem and let them know you take the situation seriously.
DOCUMENT
Keep a record of the behavior and take screenshots if possible. Having evidence is important when reporting a problem.
BLOCK
Have your child block or unfollow the person so there are no further interactions. Retaliating can only escalate the situation even further.
REPORT
Inform the social media site as there are policies regarding use, notify the school if it involves another student, and contact the police if illegal behavior occurred.