Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, March 24, 2023
As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, the risks of online dangers such as cyberbullying have increased.
Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that involves the use of technology to harass, embarrass, or harm others.
Teenagers are vulnerable to cyberbullying, and it is essential for parents to take steps to protect their children from this type of abuse.
Education is the key
To help your teenager stay safe from cyberbullying, you must educate yourself about the social media platforms they use. This way, you will be familiar with the features and risks associated with each platform. For example, some social media platforms like Snapchat allow users to send disappearing messages, which can make it easier for cyberbullies to harass someone without leaving a trace.
As a parent, it is your responsibility to monitor your teenager’s online activities. This does not mean that you should invade their privacy, but you should keep an eye on what they are doing online. Make sure they are not engaging in risky behaviours, such as sharing personal information with strangers or accepting friend requests from people they do not know.
Encourage your teenager to talk to you about their online experiences, including any incidents of cyberbullying. By keeping the lines of communication open, your teenager will feel more comfortable discussing their online activities with you. This will also help you to identify any potential issues and take steps to address them.
Teach your teenager about digital citizenship, which is the responsible use of technology.
This includes respecting others online, not engaging in cyberbullying, and being mindful of the impact of their online actions. By teaching your teenager about digital citizenship, you are giving them the tools to be responsible and respectful online.
Boundaries and rules
Set boundaries and rules for your teenager’s online activities. For example, you may want to limit the amount of time they spend online or restrict access to certain websites or social media platforms. Make sure your teenager understands the rules and consequences for breaking them.
Take action if cyberbullying occurs
If your teenager experiences cyberbullying, take immediate action. Encourage them to save any evidence of the bullying, such as screenshots or messages. Report the bullying to the appropriate authorities, such as the school or social media platform. You may also want to consider seeking counselling for your teenager to help them cope with the emotional impact of the bullying.
As a parent, you are a role model for your teenager. Set a good example by practicing responsible digital citizenship yourself. This includes being respectful online, not engaging in cyberbullying, and not sharing personal information with strangers.
According to Dr Sameer Hinduja, Co-Director of the US based Cyberbullying Research Centre, one of the most important things parents can do to prevent cyberbullying is to teach their children empathy and respect for others.
This can be done by encouraging your teenager to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, and to think about how their online actions might impact others.
Parental controls and software
Dr Justin Patchin, Co-Director of the Cyberbullying Research Centre, recommends parents to use controls and monitoring software to help keep their teenagers safe online.
This can include tools that limit access to certain websites or apps, and monitoring software that tracks your teenager’s online activity and alerts you to potential risks.
Encouraging your teenager to engage in healthy offline activities can also help prevent cyberbullying.
Dr Elizabeth Englander, Founder-Director of the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Centre (USA), suggests parents to encourage their children to participate in activities like sports, music, and volunteer work. By doing so, they are less likely to spend excessive amounts of time online, which can increase their risk of cyberbullying.
Dr Englander also emphasises the importance of creating a supportive home environment.
This can involve talking openly with your teenager about their feelings, encouraging them to express themselves, and providing them with a safe and supportive space to do so. When teenagers feel supported at home, they are more likely to come to their parents for help if they experience cyberbullying.
Fostering resilience
Dr Hinduja emphasises the importance of fostering resilience in teenagers.
This involves teaching them coping skills and strategies for dealing with difficult situations.
By fostering resilience, teenagers are better equipped to deal with the emotional impact of cyberbullying and are less likely to become a victim.
Cyberbullying is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach.
Parents should recognise that preventing cyberbullying is a continuous process that requires ongoing communication and engagement. By staying informed about the latest trends and risks in online behaviour, parents can equip themselves better to help their teenagers stay safe online.
Cyberbullying is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on teenagers. By taking a proactive and multifaceted approach, parents can help prevent cyberbullying and keep their teenagers safe in the digital world.
By teaching empathy, respect, and digital citizenship, creating a supportive home environment, and fostering resilience, parents can empower their teenagers to be responsible and respectful online.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
