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Hi-tech world and availability of technology at our door steps has reduced the world to the size of a pea. It may have many advantages to you but remember, everything comes at a price. As an adult you may be capable of paying this price but the ‘less-than-adults’ have a tough time dealing with it. Yes we are talking about the teens and pre-teens who have become old enough to be tech- savvy but handling the cons efficiently is not their strong point. This is where parents need to step in. You might be wondering what can go wrong with your kids while they are drowned in their phones and laptops that you are required to put right. The answer is cyberbullying, yes it happens and if your kid is a victim to it, you need to put it right! Here is how you can do it!
Look For Warning Signs
Teens these days have access to social media and other channels that are not only connecting them but are also putting them at risk of bullying. This is the age when kids feel that they can handle everything and asking for help seems embarrassing to them. They may not tell you themselves but signs like dropping grades, low self esteem and unexplained stress can give you the clue. Be alert when you see these signs showing, you kid might be having a tough time!
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Communicate Effectively
These signs may tell you that you kid is facing trouble but knowing alone will not help. You need to act and act such that you child benefits from it without hurting his self esteem. Once through the signs or by checking on him you are sure about cyberbullying, sit with him and talk. Ask him about his experience and why is he being bullied. Also figure out if your kid knows who the bully is and whether or not he has thought of retaliating. This communication will give you the channel to act.
Show Empathy
While you are communicating and getting the information, it is important to show empathy simultaneously. Show your concern towards your child and tell him how important his happiness is for you. Let your kid know that you are there to support him. Your presence at this time will take your relationship with your kid to new heights!
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Develop Strategies
Talk with your child, help him vent it all out and once that is done, focus on formulating strategies. Work with your child as a team to decide what is to be done when the attack strikes again. Make him understand that retaliation is not that helpful and will increase the risk of further attacks. Encourage your kid to face the bully, put forward his point assertively and get rid of the bullying with head held high up!
Document Attacks
In most cases the bully is a child herself and may have no intention of causing serious harm. But there are cases when the bullying increases to threats of violence, harassment and assaults. These incidents should be reported to the law enforcers to prevent serious damage. It is better to take out print outs of social networking pages, messages and comments to be used as a proof in court when needed!
Block The Bully
When your child is being sent harassing and humiliating messages, block the bully from your kid’s phone and social networking pages. Block his access to any cyber platform of your child to save him from further damage. Also kids might share their passwords with peers sometimes, so make sure he changes all his passwords of emails and other social media pages.
Involve School
Many a times someone at school is the bully so it becomes important to bring the bullying episode to the school authority’s notice. They may help you deal with the situation by banning school internet access or may keep an eye on your kid and the ones around him. The teachers may observe the situations and minute details that you may miss out on while listening. They may prove to be of help so approach them when such a situation arises!
Cyberbullying is a crisis that needs to be dealt with utmost focus and needs immediate action. These steps might be helpful to protect your kid from further exposure to bullying. In addition to these you may even consider having your kid’s social networking passwords to keep an eye on any suspicious activity going on. You may even go for parental tools to track your kid’s cyber activities. Try out these steps, beat bullying and stay safe!
