How to Stay Safe Online: Combating Cyberbullying

Introduction

Cyberbullying is the use of technology to criticize people on online platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Nearly 43% of kids have been cyber-bullied, 1 in 4 of them has had it happen more than once. Since over 80% of teens use a smartphone regularly, the chances of cyberbullying occurring are increasing exponentially (DoSomething, n.d). Cyberbullying has a detrimental effect on the minds and behavior of victims, effects include a sudden change in personality, drop in academic performance, and self-harm due to psychological instability, however, solutions to cyberbullying are simple, all it requires are parents’ help to raise cyberbullying awareness, teach and ensure children know how to stay safe online and pay more attention to their children.

Effects of Cyber Bullying Online

Firstly, after being cyber bullied, the victims’ personality will suddenly change for the worse, changes include anger and withdrawn. Victims become angry because they feel dissatisfied with their lives because the bully’s disgusting criticisms has been told to them and so they constantly hold this unhealthy grudge. Additionally, they start being very withdrawn with their families and friends, consistently wanting to be alone and trying to make as little presence as possible, this happens because they feel that their entire social reputation has been destroyed, with no one left to love and care for them (Gordon, 2019).

Secondly, another effect of cyberbullying is a drop in academic performance. Victims start losing interests in school because they feel embarrassed and humiliated. They will constantly find excuses to skip school, when they do attend classes, their focus is very minimal, as they are distracted by anxiety on what others around are currently thinking about them. Moreover, when at home, they will isolate themselves in their rooms, pondering on the criticisms said by the bully and wasting time thinking of ways, such as appearance change, to outsmart the bullies, instead of doing homework and subjects revision (BullyingUK, n.d).

Lastly, victims may commit self-harm due to psychological instability. Victims feel that they are always being judged and may start performing harmful activities, such as drugs and alcohol, to temporarily ease their perpetual torment. Furthermore, the criticisms said can lower their level of self-esteem to an extent where they develop mental illnesses, the most common one being depression, which will implant suicidal thoughts into their minds, making them believe that living is pointless and that suicide is the only way to eliminate the pain and sadness (Reyes, 2019).

Knowing How to Stay Safe Online

Firstly, parents need to raise awareness about cyberbullying to their children. It is impossible to completely cease all acts of cyberbullying on the internet, therefore, it is crucial for children to understand that cyberbullying is a real epidemic. Also, parents have to teach them on dealing with cyberbullying if it happens to them, for example, children should ignore the criticisms and immediately block or report the bully. Consequently, this prevents them from being affected in any way by the bully (Shaikh, 2019).

Secondly, parents need to teach their children how to be safe online and ensure that they are actually safe. This is important because the children need to know the rules of the dos and don’ts while online on the internet, this in turn inhibits cyberbullies from targeting them. On top of that, parents can ensure their children online safety by monitoring their online activities, allowing parents to ensure that rules are being followed and no cyberbullies are criticising them (Hirsch, 2014).

Finally, parents need to pay extra attention to their children. This is vital because if they are cyber bullied, it will be easier to communicate between each other, therefore, parents will be able to provide necessary support, showing them that they love and care for them, thus minimising the negative effects of cyberbullying (ReachOut Parents, n.d). Along with that, parents have the power to advise their children on how to handle the bully’s criticisms, and also report the situation to authority figures, such as school principals if the bully is a classmate, to put an end to the bully’s destruction (StopBullying, n.d).

Conclusion

In conclusion, although technology has proven to be of utmost importance in our everyday life, it is also a dangerous tool used by some people to harass others. They can cause serious physical and emotional pain to others, consequently, it is essential to be wise on what we do when going online on the internet.

References

1. DoSomething. (n.d.). 11 Facts About Cyber Bullying. https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-cyber-bullying
2. Gordon, S. (2019). The Long-Term Effects of Cyberbullying. Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/long-term-effects-of-cyberbullying-460774
3. BullyingUK. (n.d.). The effects of bullying on academic performance. https://www.bullying.co.uk/advice-for-schools/the-effects-of-bullying-on-academic-performance/
4. Reyes, M. R. (2019). Psychological Effects of Bullying on Children. Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/psychological-effects-of-bullying-on-children-460758
5. Shaikh, R. (2019). How to Deal with Cyberbullying: Tips for Parents and Kids. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-deal-with-cyberbullying#take-action
6. Hirsch, L. (2014). 5 Essential Online Safety Tips for Kids. Common Sense Media. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/5-essential-online-safety-tips-for-kids
7. ReachOut Parents. (n.d.). How to support your child if they are being cyberbullied. https://parents.au.reachout.com/common-concerns/everyday-issues/how-to-support-your-child-if-they-are-being-cyberbullied
8. StopBullying. (n.d.). How to Prevent Cyberbullying. https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/prevention