According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, 95% of teens are internet users in the United States. The highest reports of cyberbullying are among middle school students, then high school students and followed by primary school students. As the use of social media continues to rise, cyberbullying has continued to rise and in fact doubling in the last 10 years. The effects of cyberbullying have caused adverse affects – anxiety, depression, stress disorders and has been a factor in some cases of suicide. For this reason, it is important to understand the signs and ways to prevent cyberbullying:
Signs of cyberbullying may differ, but include:
- being emotionally upset during or after the use the Internet or phone
- being very secretive or protective about digital life
- withdrawal from or lack of interest in family members, friends, and activities
- changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or appetite
- avoiding school or group gatherings
- avoiding discussions about computer or phone activities
- slipping grades and “acting out” in anger at home
- suddenly wanting to stop using the computer or device
- being nervous or jumpy when getting a message, text, or email
Ways to prevent cyberbullying:
- Block the bully
- Limit access to technology
- Monitor social media use
- Know what sites your child uses
- Talk with your child or student about cyberbullying
- Tell your child not to engage with online bully, instead collect evidence and report it
References
Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2019). Preventing bullying. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/yv/bullying-factsheet508.pdf
Patchin, J. W., & Hinduja, S. (2019). 2019 Cyberbullying Data. Cyberbullying Research Center. Retrieved from https://cyberbullying.org/2019-cyberbullying-data
Cyberbullying (2020). KidsHealth. Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cyberbullying.html[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
