Safety Tips for Parents: Cyberbullying
Safety Tips for Parents: Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is any form of bullying which takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets and it can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation.
The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:
- Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter
- SMS (Short Message Service) also known as Text Message sent through devices including Whatsapp
- Instant Message (via devices, email provider services, apps, and social media messaging features)
- Emails
Dealing with Cyberbullying
Talk to your children about cyberbullying and teach them to:
- Report offensive or hurtful comments to you immediately, whether they are the target or not.
- Be careful what they say, send, post, or blog about someone else – unintentional bullying is still bullying.
Recognize signs of cyberbullying:
- Anger, depression, or frustration after using any devices.
- Stops using devices unexpectedly.
- Stops accessing social media sites, apps, or games.
- Uneasy about going to school.
- Abnormally withdrawn from usual friends and family members.
Help your children to TAKE ACTION:
- Save the texts/posts/emails.
- Don’t reply to them and don’t delete them.
- Report the ID online and Block the user from further interaction
- Inform schools and authorities about the situation
The Safe and Secure Online educational program is the go-to source for online safety offered by the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, formerly (ISC)² Foundation. It was created by the 110,000+ members of (ISC)² – the world’s premier membership organization of security professionals – to teach everyone how to become more responsible digital citizens.
