4 Ways to Avoid Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a growing phenomenon that has grown rapidly in the last few years. It affects everyone, adults and children alike. Cyberbullying can be enacted in the form of an individual being hacked with their information withheld for a ransom and is also being done by children, who have had increasingly early access to these technologies.
The problem is elevated by the fact that these cyber bullies can hide behind a pseudonymous user name, disguising his or her true identity. This secrecy makes it difficult to trace the source and encourages bullies to behave more aggressively than they might in a situation where they were identified. The following are some tips on how to handle confrontations like these:
- Privacy is prevention
Take a second to go through all your social media profiles and ensure all privacy settings are airtight. Google your name and your child’s name – see what comes up. Make sure that your Facebook profiles do not give away any personal information like addresses, phone numbers or email addresses.
- Don’t respond or retaliate
This is especially difficult to do because your first instinct would be to fire back. Remind yourself or make your child aware of the fact that by doing so, you’re giving the cyber bully exactly what they want – attention. Turn a blind eye and be smart about how to handle the situation.
- Block the bully
What’s better than ignoring the bully? Making it harder for the bully to reach you is the best solution to this problem. If you and your child are on a messaging system, set up your profiles so that only your personal contacts can get in touch with you. Try blocking the bully from all platforms you use. Screen all incoming calls and text messages. If necessary, temporarily suspend all your social media accounts. This is you taking the control away from the cyber bully and limiting their contact with you or your child.
- Save all information and tell someone
First and foremost, report the cyber bully to the social media provider. Cyber bullying is outlawed on most social media platforms. Technically, cyberbullying is illegal and can be classed as harassment. Most bullies think they’re invincible and can hide from the law behind their pseudo-name. What they’re forgetting is that they’re leaving a significant electronic trail and can be traced. Save all threatening correspondence and show it to someone you trust. Let your children know to do the same, so that the parent, teacher or guardian can assist them if matters get out of hand.
With these tips, you can help protect yourself and your children from nasty cyber bullies. Enabling yourself with the knowledge of prevention will benefit you and your children’s online security.
