As the new school year approaches, parents have a multitude of preparations to make—from buying school supplies to arranging schedules. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked, however, is the need to safeguard children against the rising threat of cyber-bullying. With the increasing reliance on digital communication among students, it’s more important than ever for parents to be proactive in preventing and monitoring cyber-bullying. Here are some practical steps parents can take to protect their children from online harassment.

Understanding Cyber-Bullying

Cyber-bullying involves the use of digital platforms—social media, messaging apps, and websites—to harass, threaten, or embarrass someone. Unlike traditional bullying, cyber-bullying can occur 24/7 and can be anonymous, making it particularly distressing for the victim. It’s essential for parents to recognize the signs of cyber-bullying and to create an open line of communication with their children.

Preventive Measures

1. Educate Your Children: Start by having an open discussion about what cyber-bullying is and why it’s harmful. Make sure your children understand the impact of their online actions and the importance of treating others with respect.
2. Set Ground Rules: Establish clear guidelines for internet and device usage. Discuss what is appropriate to share online, and set time limits to ensure your children are not spending excessive time on digital platforms.
3. Privacy Settings: Teach your children how to use privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can see their posts and contact them. Encourage them to only connect with people they know in real life.
4. Friend and Follow: If appropriate, be friends with or follow your child on social media. This can help you monitor their online interactions without being intrusive. Explain to your child that this is a measure to ensure their safety, not to invade their privacy.

Monitoring for Cyber-Bullying

1. Regular Check-Ins: Have regular conversations with your children about their online activities. Ask them to share any uncomfortable experiences they may have had online. Be supportive and non-judgmental to encourage them to open up.
2. Monitor Digital Behavior: Use parental control software to monitor your child’s online activities. These tools can alert you to potentially harmful interactions and help you keep track of the websites and apps they are using. We use Bark in our home to monitor our children's online activity and it has alerted us to some instances of bullying by our children's friends which we were then able to address. We also do not hide the fact that we are monitoring their devices. It was a condition of them getting them in the first place so that we could protect them.
3. Look for Warning Signs: Be aware of changes in your child’s behavior that might indicate they are being bullied. Signs can include withdrawal from social activities, changes in mood, reluctance to go to school, or unexplained physical ailments.
4. Encourage Reporting: Make sure your children know how to report cyber-bullying incidents to the relevant platform or school authorities. Encourage them to speak up if they or someone they know is being bullied.

Responding to Cyber-Bullying

1. Document Evidence: If your child is being cyber-bullied, document the incidents by taking screenshots and saving messages. This evidence can be crucial when reporting the bullying to school authorities or law enforcement.
2. Block and Report: Teach your children how to block bullies on social media platforms and report abusive behavior. Most platforms have built-in tools for reporting harassment, which can lead to the offending account being suspended or banned.
3. Seek Professional Help: If cyber-bullying is severely affecting your child’s mental health, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. They can provide your child with coping strategies and support during this difficult time.
4. Work with the School: Inform your child’s school about the cyber-bullying incidents. Schools often have policies in place to handle bullying, and they can provide additional support and intervention.

Creating a Supportive Environment

1. Encourage Open (and Honest) Communication: Create an environment where your children feel safe discussing their online experiences with you. Reassure them that they won’t be punished for speaking up about bullying.
2. Build Self-Esteem: Encourage activities that build your child’s confidence and self-esteem. Children with high self-esteem are less likely to be affected by bullying and more likely to stand up against it.
3. Promote Positive Online Behavior: Teach your children to be good digital citizens. Encourage them to stand up against bullying when they see it and to support those around them.

Conclusion

As we gear up for the new school year, it’s essential for parents to take an active role in preventing and monitoring cyber-bullying. By educating children, setting ground rules, and encouraging open and honest communication, parents can help create a safer online environment for their children. Remember, the goal is not just to protect your child from cyber-bullying but also to empower them to navigate the digital world with confidence and kindness. Let’s work together to make this school year a safe and positive experience for all students.