It’s tough to imagine the world without the internet which has revolutionised us to such an extent that it has become part of our daily activities. Kids are exposed to the world of internet at a very young age. According to a recent survey polled in 24 countries, a stunning 80% reported that cyberbullying was a serious problem in their country. If a child is not cyber smart, he can easily become a victim of cyberbullying.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is using the internet, mobile phones, or other technology to send and post images or messages intended to hurt or embarrass another person. These include:
- Harassing someone by texting mean messages or posting mean comments online.
- Starting rumours or spreading gossip about someone online
- Posting an embarrassing video or photo about someone on a website site such as Twitter or Facebook.
What can parents do?
Here are some practical steps which parents should follow to prevent cyberbullying:
- Start discussing about online safety with your child at early age. Tell him "You should be nice with friends on internet the same way you are nice to your friends on playground."
- Tell your child not to respond to any cyberbullying threats or comments online. However, do not delete any of the messages. Instead, save everything including the email addresses or online screen names of the cyberbully. You will need the messages to verify and prove there is cyberbullying.
- Ask him not to cyberbully back. Make him understand that revenge is never the best answer.
- Share a bit about your daily internet activity, use it in a way to facilitate daily conversation about your child’s online habits.
- Set family internet rules. For example, computers should be placed in family area like living room and internet usage time.
- Learn about the warning signs of trouble like disruption of daily schedule, meals, studies drop in grades.
- In an intense situation, stay calm and remind your child that it is okay to bring it to your attention. And solve the problem tactfully.
- Be aware of what your child is doing online and explore it with them. Be active on social media websites.
- Protect the accounts very carefully with the passwords and other information. This will keep the bullies away from gaining access to accounts.
- In serious case of cyberbullying, take help of local authorities or contact the support team of the website.
- Cyberbullying won't stop if it's ignored. Don’t overreact by blaming your children.
- Don’t threaten to take away your child’s computer if he comes to you with a problem. This only forces kids to be more secretive.
By following these few simple rules you and your family can alleviate the dangers of cyberbullying. Stay safe online!
With thanks to Sonal Pawar, founder of www.wisenetizen.com which helps parents educate their children about Internet Safety.