Signs Your Child May Be Cyberbullied
Spy Phone at Jul 12 2020 8:06PM
Signs Your Child May Be Cyberbullied
In our times when the whole world is online, it is only natural that our children are too. The Internet has brought into existence a new form of bullying – Cyberbullying i.e., when digital media is used to harass and mistreat someone. Cyberbullying is rampant, and many children fall victim to cyberbullying behavior at some time in their lives. However, they do not always convey this information to their parents/caregivers. Parents and adult caregivers can help children suffering from cyberbullying to deal with the problem effectively. So, how can you tell if your child is being cyberbullied? Look out for these warning signs –
• Your child suddenly no longer shows interest in using digital media, even if they were really keen on doing so before.
• Your child does not want to use the computer when you or other adults are around.
• He/she kills off the computer screen whenever you walk by.
• They seem anxious whenever they receive alerts for new digital communication.
• Your child stops showing any interest in attending school or participating in outside events.
• He/she gives reason for their attendance in school/external activities by using vague allusions.
• They become withdrawn.
• You find them upset after having gone online.
• They don’t want to discuss their online activities with you.
• They frequently report loss of appetite or unexplained for aches.
• They find it difficult to fall asleep.
• Your child seems depressed and averse to participating in social functions.
• They express suicidal thoughts.
Don’t Take Cyberbullying Lightly
Cyberbullying can be just as damaging as being bullied in person. It can leave your child depressed and underconfident, struggling with falling self esteem. They can begin to show a general decline in their physical health too.
If you notice any of the indicative signs of cyberbullying in your child, you should try to sit them down and initiate a conversation with them. Be patient and understanding with them without probing too much. If you can build a trusting environment for your child, they will share their grievances with you without being forced to.
However, if your child is unable to share with you their experience of being bullied, exercise your authority and demand to see their digital communications. Such an approach might not be ideal, but it saves your child from being bullied further and developing serious mental health issues such as anxiety and depressive disorders later. Ask them to tell their bullies that you are monitoring any communication sent to them and it should stop the bullying in most cases. If not, there are more direct approaches that you can utilize to end your child’s cyberbullying.