Proactive Steps You Should Take to Protect Your Child from Cyberbullying



Prevent Cyberbullying: Proactive Parenting Tips

65% of children between the ages of eight and 14 have been exposed to cyberbullying. (Lenhardt, Cyberbullying, 2020). Cyberbullying can include posting offensive information or photos, spreading lies or rumors, as well as sending threatening or hurtful messages on social media, emails, text messages, and online gaming platforms. Parents play a vital role in protecting their children from being a victim of cyberbullying and the key is being proactive!

Technology is a wonderful tool that can provide both educational and entertainment value to young children. Children should be safely able to explore the internet, gaming and messaging platforms without the threat of cyberbullying. Unfortunately, kids today are at higher risks of experiencing online harassment than ever before due to increased screen time and technology dependence.

There are several effective steps that parents can take to prevent their children from cyberbullying. Start by familiarizing yourself with popular online games, messaging services, and social media. TikTok, SnapChat, Instagram, and Twitter are all popular apps. Some platforms have more aggressive anti-bully restrictions and features than others! Establish guidelines that will empower your child in developing positive digital citizenship. There are several free, high quality digital citizen curriculums available such as this one provided by Common Sense Education. Setting parental controls and time limits are also free and easy ways that parents can protect their children online. Lastly, it’s important to let your kids know they won’t lose internet privileges if they experience cyberbullying. Loss of access to technology and/or online privileges is the number one reason children don’t report cyberbullying.

Technology is a wonderful tool that can enrich learning and provide hours of light-hearted entertainment. In order to keep technology safe and an enjoyable experience, parents must set limits, establish rules for online engagement, and educate themselves and their children on the risks and safe practices. I invite each of you to sit down with your child and review their online activity together. What websites and games do they play? Are there chat or live streaming features? Does the platform monitor for foul language, block the sharing of personal information, and verify users identity? Be proactive and keep your kids safe! Please share in the comments section any recommendations or warnings of apps that you may have experience with. Together we can work to reduce the risks of cyberbullying!

Anti-Bully Alliance: Our Tips for Parents About Cyberbullying


References

Lenhart, A. (2020, August 17). Cyberbullying. Pew Research Center. Retrieved April 23, 2022, from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2007/06/27/cyberbullying/


Image Source

Anti-Bullying Alliance. (2017, July 18). Our Tips For Parents About Cyberbullying [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuUQABP5R7E


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How Can Parents Support Their Children When Bullying Occurs?

Image
WELCOME! Do you know that approximately one third of the world’s youth will experience bullying during their childhood (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, 2018)? Bullying causes harmful physical and emotional effects for everyone involved including the victim, bully, and bystanders. Without proper support and guidance these negative effects can continue to plague individuals far into their adulthood. This blog is dedicated to supporting parents and their children with anti-bullying information and advice. REFERENCES United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. (2018, January 10). New SDG 4 Data on Bullying . UNESCO Publishing. http://uis.unesco.org/en/news/new-sdg-4-data-bullying IMAGE SOURCES New Mexico Public Education Department. (2021, September 20). Cyberbullying [Photograph]. Bullying Prevention: Providing Safe Schools for All Students. https://webnew.ped.state.nm.us/bureaus/safe-healthy-schools/bullying-prevention/
Read more

Contact your Arizona legislators to improve existing anti-bully legislation!

Image
Call to Action: Contact Your State Representatives! Did you know that Arizona’s anti-bullying laws don’t define harassment or bullying? Arizona laws are weak and don't hold school districts accountable in providing equitable access to safe, bully-free learning environments. Bullying is pervasive throughout our schools and the children in our state are suffering because of it. Parents, community members, and state legislators need to work together to protect our children from the harmful effects of bullying. Contact your Arizona legislator and urge them to bring real legislative improvements to Arizona laws! From the hot, sparse desert vegetarian to the cool Northern Arizona forests, our state encompasses an array of diverse environments and people. That respect and value of diversity and inclusiveness should also be reflected in our school system and legislation. The existing anti-bullying legislation does not reflect and protect the values of Arizonans. What improvements need to ...
Read more