Bullying is a problem that many face throughout their lives and can extend past childhood. Recently, cyberbullying has become more of an issue with increased connectivity. However, in this digital age, it can be seen as a “first world problem,” or something that is easily avoidable. This is easier said than done, as new generations are being raised with the internet as part of their reality. It’s something that we need to take seriously, and here are a few reasons why.
A Screen and Anonymity Makes People Bold
We all know that people can say stuff online that they would never say to someone in real life (“keyboard courage”). A bully may seem more toned-down in real life, as they have to confront someone in person, and they may feel that they can’t say the things they could say behind a screen to someone’s face.
On the Internet, people feel freer to express themselves, and a bully may go out of their way to say some awful things to their target. From outrageous threats to off-the-wall insults, it can make the target feel as though they are hopeless to stop the bullying. They can’t put a face to a screen name or confront their harasser on a more personal and private level.
A cyberbully can further hide under a false name or be totally anonymous. This makes the problem even worse. Someone who is bullied could blame the wrong person or feel hopeless because they can’t determine who exactly is bullying them.
Ignoring it Only Goes So Far
One criticism of cyberbullying is the idea that it can be negated by simply turning off a computer, logging off of a site or application, or blocking cyberbullies to avoid being bullied. This is much simpler than facing bullying in person by going to school every day.
There is a point to this type of management of the situation, but some cyberbullies don’t go away when ignored. They may continue to talk about the person who has logged off, and force the person being bullied to create a new account altogether, or have others that they know are in contact with their target find them on other platforms. In extreme cases, cyberbullying can spill over into real life.
It’s difficult to live a non-digital life these days. People need to be online for many things: school, work, personal business, connecting to their family and trusted friends, etc. There will be times when they mean to draw no attention to themselves online, but get targeted by cyberbullies anyway.
We Are Addicted to Notifications
Nowadays, we are always on the lookout for messages, notifications, and various other dopamine loops that Internet and technical applications provide. Some people may thrive on getting into online disagreements and arguments just for the sake of getting notifications, and it can be hard for them to control.
It Spreads
Before the Internet and consistent connectivity, embarrassing situations or rumors would spread from person-to-person quickly but would be forgotten about as people would move on and focus on another subject. Things weren’t re-tweeted or shared with a click of a button.
Now, it’s possible for the world to know of something embarrassing if someone is quick to hit record or write a post (or re-post). Some updates and videos eventually get lost to the backwash of the Internet, but other times, an embarrassing video may be all the rage and come back in cycles.
Ways to Stop Cyber Bullying
If you have a child that’s being cyberbullied, or you’re being cyberbullied yourself, here are some ways you can help to stop it.
Speak Up You don’t have to suffer in silence — talking to someone to make them aware of the situation can help bring attention to what you’re going through. Many people do not come forward with their stories. You may feel like the bullying will get worse, or that no one will care. However, by keeping a record and reporting it, you may see something done about it.
Archive Everything
Online harassment, once on the Internet, is there in perpetuity unless deleted in full. Even if a bully is anonymous, there are ways to find out who they are — if you’re receiving threatening or harassing messages, keep them and send them to your local authority figures or report them to the appropriate people that run the application or site.
Notice the Differences
If someone you love is getting cyberbullied, it’s sometimes hard to tell. Real-life bullying is much more noticeable than cyberbullying, but one way you can figure out if someone is being cyberbullied is to look for signs of change in their behavior.
If they have lost interest in activities, are hesitant about using the Internet, seem depressed all the time, and/or are very defensive or dismissive, your child may be a victim of cyberbullying. Talk to them and check in on how they’re doing.
Monitor Your Kids
Kids and teens deserve privacy; watch out for them, but don’t necessarily helicopter-parent. If you suspect that your teen is being cyberbullied, monitoring their devices and applications/video games as well as the interactions they have on them may be a good idea.
Take Action
If you see your child receiving threats, take away all devices and report it to the appropriate authorities.
It’s important that you stop cyberbullying before it gets any worse.
Cyberbullying is something you should take seriously, and you should talk to someone if you or your loved one is a victim.
This is a featured post by site sponsor Better Help.
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