Protect your kids from cyberbullying

What is cyberbullying?

The anonymity of internet users has allowed the proliferation of unprecedented behavior: cyberbullying. This behavior is characterized by the spread of threatening, humiliating or bullying messages via sms and the internet (social networks, forums, photo and video sharing sites and instant messaging programs).

O cyberbullying can be considered worse than the bullying traditional, because these messages are recorded, can be shared at any time of the day, can multiply to unimaginable proportions and worse, aggressors can go unpunished because they are not easily recognized.

O cyberbullying It can be initiated by the victim's acquaintances or even by strangers. Some examples of how this can happen follow below:

• Disclosing the victim's telephone number linked to sexual messages;
• Sharing photos of the victim in order to ridicule her image;
• Creation of online groups to threaten or humiliate the victim;
• Disseminating screenshots with messages from the victim to offend her.

These are just a few examples of the many ways the cyberbullying can hit a victim. It is therefore important to always be aware of the signs your child gives that he is suffering any kind of humiliation, offense, threat or ridicule in the virtual environment.

This year, concerned parents began filing complaints of cyberbullying in notarial minutes. They believe the document can serve as evidence in lawsuits against the perpetrators.

How to protect your children from cyberbullying

Control privacy

Try to keep your children's information private. Sharing personal information, such as psychological issues or phone numbers, can make your child your target. bullying virtual. The less exposed your child is, the less likely they are to suffer. cyberbullying.

Orient the family

Advise your children not to respond to attacks via the internet. Reply to cyberbullying can further promote this activity and encourage the bully (aggressor) to keep this practice so cruel.

Record all attacks

Take screenshots (print screen) of all abusive messages and record attacks in any way possible. This can help prove that the cyberbullying occurred and even served as a resource for investigators to find the suspect of the virtual assault.

Promote respect

Encouraging respect for differences and above all for human beings helps to form a society free from bullying. Does every offender need a victim and an audience? usually in the same age group. Therefore, it is important to always value respectful attitudes so that the perpetrators do not have by their side people extolling the bullyingdiscouraging this practice.

Take care of the relationship between you and your child

So that you are always aware of everything that happens to your child (including the most sordid events) it is important to maintain a healthy and close relationship between you.

If your child is afraid or ashamed to broach the most diverse issues with you, he is unlikely to admit that he is suffering. bullying ? and the worst? By the time you know it may be a little too late.

Also, it is essential that you be an example to your child. Avoid making jokes about others or taking any action that is characterized as bullying. So you treat the subject the way it should be? as a reprehensible attitude that should not be encouraged and much less exalted.

Keep an eye out and don't let your child suffer in silence. Listen to what he has to say and do not judge him. Love, affection and understanding are the keys to mitigate the psychological damage caused by any kind of bullying.

Logging Off: Ways to Stop Cyberbullying (April 2024)