(This post is the first in our 5-part series about bullying.)
I just spent a day recently at one of my schools talking with students about bullying. These teens have heard anti-bullying messages since grade school, but they say that bullying is still common. Not surprisingly, they said cyberbullying has become the most widespread form of bullying.
As I remember, it was hard enough dealing with the regular stresses of being a teenager and the possibility of school-yard bullying. I can’t imagine agonizing even more over what people could be saying about me online, or what they could be texting to each other behind my back.
Cyberbullying is a whole different playing field. When you are bullied online, you aren’t face-to-face with the one attacking you and it can be harder to stand up for yourself. What’s worse, this type of bullying doesn’t go away when your kids come home from school, and this can make them feel even more trapped.
As we know, the internet is now a crucial part of teenage culture and that is not about to change. But how can you help your child avoid cyberbullying, either as a victim or as a participant?
- One of the most important things you can do as a parent is make sure that your teen has someone to talk to. Hopefully they will still come to you for advice, but the key is for them to have someone they can confide in, who will listen and build them up, and remind them that they are not alone.
- Talk to your teen about the “permanence” of the internet. If you wouldn’t say it out loud, don’t post it. Also tell him/her that once a comment has been sent, it’s in writing and they no longer have control over who will see it because it can spread very quickly.
- Remind your teen that words sent through text messages or email etc. can also very easily be misinterpreted even if they are meant as jokes, because you are not face to face with the person you are sending it to, and they can’t always tell your tone of voice.
- If your teen is being bullied, keep the evidence. Someone can be criminally charged for posting harassing or hurtful messages online.
If you’re unsure where to start, there are some great PSAs on bullying. You can try one as a conversation starter tonight:
Ad Council of Ohio:
Childnet International:
Family Channel:
We’re also here to help. Call or send us an email, or please share your story with us. Let’s stand up to bullying together and keep the dialogue going. It’s a real issue in Halton.
About this author:
Monique Leparskas
Share your experience:
For more tips and hints about your child’s health or to share your experience, there are many ways you can talk to one of us directly:
- Leave us a comment below – we’d love your feedback
- Talk to us on Twitter: @haltonparents
- Email us at haltonparents@halton.ca
- Dial 311 or 905-825-6000 for parenting information or to speak directly to a Public Health Nurse every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Pingback: The Age of Cyberbullying | Halton Parents | Cyber Bullying Stories
This is one of the great articles that I ever read. Indeed, raising kids is not an easy task, especially that we mother’s are not only protecting our child from any sicknesses but most importantly from any bullies whom they’ll meet. Because as a mother, the idea of my children being harmed or lost is not something anyone wants to consider. Then I found an article by anationofmoms about a service that can protect your family via your cell phone. And, at the bottom there is an opportunity to enter a drawing for 6 months of that service just by liking them on Facebook. You might find it interesting: http://anationofmoms.com/2011/08/protect-your-family-giveaway.html
Hi Brenda,
I’m glad that you enjoyed the article! You’re right – parents have enough to cope with on a day-to-day basis, that having to deal with bullying on top of that can be overwhelming. It’s especially difficult with cyberbullying, because it may not be as obvious that it is going on. Thanks so much for sending the link about the cell phone support. I hadn’t heard about this service before!
Monique, from the Halton Parents team
http://www.haltonparents.ca
Pingback: Bullying Prevention. Parents “YOU” are vital! | HaltonParents
Pingback: Bullying in Preschool? Say it isn’t so! | HaltonParents
Pingback: Site 65 » Week of November 26th, 2018