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Understanding Cyberbullying: What Parents and Educators Need to Know


If you’ve been following my blog you may know that I live in Michigan with two amazing kids—a 10-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy. Like many parents, I'm constantly juggling the demands of family life while trying to keep up with the fast-paced world of technology. With our kids spending so much time online, it's more important than ever to understand the challenges they face, especially when it comes to cyberbullying.


It’s heartbreaking to think about any child feeling isolated or scared because of cyberbullying. I remember when my daughter came home upset because of a mean comment someone made about her online. It was a wake-up call for our family about the reality of cyberbullying. We had a long talk, and I made sure she knew we were in this together.


Since 2016, I have offered presentations, webinars and workshops on internet wellness, safety and security for schools, organizations, workplaces, and families. As someone who was a teacher from 2007 - 2015, I witnessed first hand the obvious and not so obvious impact of social media on our kids and want to do my part to keep our communities safe while encouraging positive and responsible use of tech. 


As parents and educators, we're on the front lines of helping our kids navigate these digital waters. By staying informed and keeping communication open, we can support our children and teach them how to handle these situations with strength and resilience.



Cyberbullying is when someone uses digital platforms like social media, texting, or online games to harass, threaten, or humiliate another person. Unlike playground bullying, this can happen anytime, anywhere, making it incredibly tough for our kids to escape.


Types of Cyberbullying

1. Harassment: Think of it as getting a flood of nasty messages.

2. Denigration: This is all about spreading harmful rumors or lies.

3. Flaming: Aggressive, heated online fights.

4. Impersonation: Someone pretending to be your child online, causing all sorts of trouble.

5. Outing: Sharing private information or embarrassing photos without permission.


6. Exclusion: Deliberately leaving someone out of online groups or activities.

7. Cyberstalking: Continuous, threatening harassment that can feel incredibly scary.

Ask your child if they’ve ever experienced or witnessed any of these forms of bullying.

Real-Life Signs Your Child Might Be Facing Cyberbullying

As parents, we need to be detectives sometimes, and that's okay! Here are some signs that your child might be experiencing cyberbullying:

  • Emotional Ups and Downs: If your kid seems unusually sad or anxious after checking their phone or computer, something might be up.

  • Avoidance: Not wanting to go to school or social events, or avoiding their devices altogether.

  • School Struggles: Dropping grades and a lack of interest in school could be a red flag.

  • Physical Complaints: Unexplained headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms.

  • Social Withdrawal: Pulling away from family and friends or losing interest in activities they used to love.

How We Can Help as Parents and Educators


1. Keep the Conversation Going: Make sure your kids know they can talk to you about anything that happens online. Create a safe space for these conversations.

   

2. Educate Together: Learn about cyberbullying as a family. Discuss why kindness and empathy are so important online, just as they are in person.


3. Stay Informed: Know what your kids are doing online. Use parental controls and set boundaries, but also respect their need for some privacy.


4. Promote Positivity: Encourage your children to be kind and supportive online. Highlight the good behavior you see and talk about why it matters.


5. Report and Block: Teach your kids how to block and report anyone who is being abusive. Make sure they know it's okay to come to you for help.


6. Keep Records: If cyberbullying happens, save screenshots and any other evidence. This can be crucial if things need to be reported to the school or even the authorities.


7. Get Professional Help: If your child is struggling with the emotional impact of cyberbullying, don't hesitate to reach out to school counselors or mental health professionals.

Useful Resources

StopBullying.gov: Tons of resources on preventing and dealing with bullying and cyberbullying.

Common Sense Media: Offers great advice and reviews on digital content.

National Bullying Prevention Center (PACER): Provides tools and support for bullying prevention.

Cyberbullying Research Center: Research-based info on cyberbullying and how to stay safe online.


We're all in this together. Let's all continue learning and growing so we can keep our families and communities safe and informed.


Ebony Bagley - Internet Wellness Advocate

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