Before social media became so prevalent, instances of bullying were somewhat easy to recognize. However, with a good majority of children now engaged in digital networking and social media, bullying may not end with the ringing of the school bell, and evidence of bullying may not be so readily apparent.
More than 80 per cent of teens use a mobile phone regularly, making it the most popular form of technology and a common medium for repeated cyberbullying.
What makes cyberbullying more difficult to detect and remedy than traditional bullying is that sometimes this type of bullying is veiled in secrecy. Those who engage in cyberbullying can create aliases and accounts under false names, allowing them to covertly engage in bullying behaviour. As a result, tracking down bullies can be challenging.
Although cyberbullying is on the rise, there are some things that parents and children can do to help put a stop to such unfortunate instances:
* Parents who feel their child is not emotionally ready for the responsibility of a digital device can hold back on purchasing a smartphone or choose one with very limited features. Some schools set strict limits on phone usage at school, and children who go only from school to home and vice versa may not have the need for an “emergency phone” that can open up a window for trouble;
* Adolescents and teens should feel comfortable talking with their parents without the fear of reprimand. Otherwise, they may hide instances of cyberbullying or not know how to broach sensitive topics such as bullying. Parents can engage in conversation with their children often and stress that the doors of communication are always open;
* Teens should be made aware that cyberbullying is a very real occurrence and is not just other kids “having fun” or “joking.” If behaviour is repetitive and hurtful, it should be made public and addressed.
* Parents can monitor and limit their children’s personal accounts. Some smartphone and tablet applications can be mirrored on the main account, enabling parents to see incoming messages.
