10 Steps Against Cyberbullying | Total Security

Bullying has evolved significantly since the scuffles in the playground. In fact, it has evolved with technology, making the leap to email, messaging, and social media. And while you might have a rough idea of ​​how much damage bullying can do, statistics show that it is a widespread and extremely dangerous problem. Below is a breakdown of various cyber bullying statistics and 10 steps to silence online bullies.

1) Spread the Word

According to DoSomething.org, only 10 percent of victims tell a trusted adult about online bullying, even though 68 percent of teenagers agree that cyberbullying is a serious problem. Often this lack of communication comes from being embarrassed or afraid of what happened. Children worry that the bullying won't really start until they tell an adult and the bully finds out, or that there is nothing teachers and parents can do to stop the bullying. Talking to your child if you think they are being bullied online is essential. Look for practical ways to address the problem, such as B. by consulting the school management or by direct contact with the social media pages.

2) Keep It

In some cases, the bully crosses the line between bullying and criminal harassment or even threat. So did Izzy Dix, who committed suicide in September 2013 after being bullied online. Despite the police investigating the incident, law enforcement agencies found no basis to prosecute the so-called online trolls in the case of Izzy's death. However, her mother Gabbi has now been able to gather data to prove the social media bullying and wants the case to be reopened. If your child is a victim of cyberbullying, save all of the bully's posts and messages by taking screenshots or taking photos with your smartphone, and also make a note of the date and time.

3) Don't Respond

Nobullying.com reports that 55 percent of teenagers who use social media have witnessed bullying, and 95 percent have completely ignored this behavior. Combating bullying requires a mixture of intervention and avoidance. Those who witness an attack need to share problems with friends, family, or teachers, while those affected are better off ignoring the attacks than responding to them. Because the aim of every bully is to make the victim angry, to hit a nerve, and thus get them to reward the bully's ridiculous allegations or statements with attention. The best option is to block the bully on social media and email accounts.

4) Inform

According to InternetSafety101.org, only 7 percent of parents are worried about cyberbullying, although 33 percent of teenagers have been bullied at least once.

Parents must obtain as much information as possible about their children's internet and smartphone activities. It is a misconception, for example, that boys are always attackers and girls are always victims. Like boys, girls can also be victims or bullies. While boys are more likely to threaten, girls focus on emotional attacks that undermine the victim's self-esteem, which can cause even more damage.

5) Understand the Scope

Many adults believe that cyberbullying only occurs on social media sites. But at a time when 73 percent of teenagers are using smartphones, the extent of the potential harm is significantly higher. The bullying occurs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - or via Snapchat, emails, and messages directly from the bullies. And since teenagers always have their smartphones at hand, this harassment quickly becomes permanent. With the rapid development of technology, it is imperative to always monitor your children's mobile devices and online behavior to stay one step ahead of potential dangers.

 

6) Recognize the Signs

A bullied child looks just like any other adolescent: They don't want to talk about their day and certainly don't want to reveal anything personal. But according to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), look out for other signs, such as B. Lack of interest in beloved hobbies, truancy, and changes in sleeping or eating habits. However, these signs can represent various problems, so you should also watch out for whether your child suddenly loses interest in the computer - or, if they are a bully, gets very angry if you stop them from using their smartphone or computer.

7) Protect Data

In the case of Izzy Dix, the bullies were able to use a stolen photo to set up a fake Facebook profile, which they used to post hurtful messages. You and your child need to be careful when posting information online. For example, it's a good idea to limit the number of personal photos and information your child can post online. Explain to him how to protect passwords and that they should be changed regularly. Bullies have often taken on the profile of their victims to post abusive comments. Likewise, teenagers should always set their social media profiles to "private" and ignore messages from people they do not know. Do not forget to install advanced antivirus like Protegent Total Security.

8) Don't Become a Perpetrator Yourself

According to Nobullying.com, some victims want to fight back and become bullies themselves in the process. This may seem like a solution to the problem, but it often leads to “a back and forth between victim and bully, which makes the bullying go on and on”. Teach your child to be respectful of the feelings and privacy of others. Explain to him that you understand the urge to fight back, but that in the long run, it is better not to react in the first place.

9) Sticking Together

It is important to stick together when dealing with cyberbullying and look for long-term solutions. Canada recently introduced a law prohibiting the dissemination of pictures of people without their consent and allowing police to obtain information about Internet users when there is “ reasonable suspicion ” of a crime. The law isn't perfect, but it lays the foundation for future legislation that will keep your children safe online. In the US, on the other hand, the laws differ from state to state. It is therefore important to know your rights and to report incidents to the appropriate authorities if the situation gets out of hand.

10) Hold Bullies Accountable

A research team at Clemson University is currently developing an app that will examine photos, videos, and social media data for signs of bullying. If bullying is detected, the app notifies the victim, parents, school management, and even the perpetrator to ensure full transparency and thus nip the bullying in the bud. However, even without such an app, parents should hold bullies accountable by informing the school management and the parents of the bully. Bullies need to learn that their actions have consequences and that everyone deserves to live without fear.