What is cyberbullying and what are the warning signs?
Dec 29, 2023What is cyberbullying and what are the warning signs?
Many children are being given access to mobile devices at a young age due to the rapid advancement of mobile technology. Cyberbullying is a dangerous scenario for children and teens that many parents are unaware of.
43% of children have experienced cyberbullying at some point in their lives. 58% of these kids haven’t told their parents. In order to prevent such situations, parents need to pay attention to their children’s behavior, both on and off their devices.
10 Warning Signs Of Cyberbullying
Parents can use the following 10 tips to help spot the warning signs of cyberbullying in their children.
Feeling Uneasy, Nervous, Or Scared About Going To School Or Going Outside.
If your child is not comfortable in their school environment or being around their classmates then this is a serious warning sign that they are uncomfortable. There are some other signs to keep an eye out for such as asking your child repeatedly whether they can skip school and stay home or making calls asking for an early release during school hours. These are some other signs to keep an eye out for.
Feeling Nervous Or Jumpy When Texting Or Using Social Media.
Do you find that your child gets extremely anxious when it comes to their phone, tablet, or laptop, especially when you’re in view of the device? The best way to maintain a watchful eye over your devices is to keep them in areas where they are frequently used.
Feeling Upset Or Frustrated After Playing Online Games.
Have you ever witnessed your child get so angry at what they see on the screen that they slam their device shut or throw it mid-use when they are frustrated? An outburst of anger such as this can be a red flag, as kids may do this to distance themselves from bullies by displaying this behavior.
They Do Not Want To Discuss Or Share Information About Their Online Accounts.
When it comes to online bullying, an increase in secretiveness is another major warning sign to keep an eye out for. There is a tendency for children to hide what they are feeling in an effort to keep it quiet since many victims are afraid to speak out about what is happening to them, especially to their parents. An online family contract that establishes rules for your children’s online passwords and accounts is one of the best ways to help protect them from bullying as well as to give you, as parents, some peace of mind regarding their online activities.
A Sudden Weight Loss Or Gain, Headaches, Stomachaches, Or Difficulty Eating Without Explanation.
Symptoms such as these are just a few of the many ways that bullying can have a physical impact on the health of a child. It is important for parents to be aware of these signs because if they continue for an extended period of time, the child’s health can deteriorate very quickly as a result of them.
Feeling Sleepy During The Day Or Having Trouble Sleeping At Night.
When it comes to cyberbullying, restlessness is a major factor that contributes to the act. It is extremely common for children to be unable to sleep due to the fact that they are constantly tormented by what cyberbullies are saying about them. As a result, the child suffers from fatigue throughout the rest of the day, which makes their school day even harder as they attempt to cope with their schoolwork and classmates throughout the day.
Hobbies And Activities Lose Their Appeal.
The sudden loss of interest that your child may have in their favorite sport or hobby may be an indication that they have been cyberbullied. There may be a reason why they are attempting to distance themselves from others who are making fun of them or trying to fit in with the crowd. Talk to your child and continue to encourage them to do what makes them happy, and not what they think others should do for them.
Depressed Or Antisocial Behavior Suddenly Appears In Your Child.
The fact that your child seems to be extremely unhappy and only wants to be in his room by himself could be a warning sign that he or she is suffering from depression. Try planning a family outing or even a game night to get them up and out of their room in order to boost their mood. Your child will also be able to see that your family is there to support them in any way they need.
Withdrawn From Close Family And Friends.
There is a possibility that this withdrawal could be an attempt to push others away and distance them from everyone in their lives, especially those who are doing the bullying. You need to ensure that your child knows that you are there for them if they have any questions or concerns.
Suicide Statements Or Suicide Attempts.
This is an obvious red flag that should be raised immediately. It is very important not to take these signs lightly! Get in touch with a professional as soon as possible and get your school involved if necessary. Make sure your child knows that your actions are only because you’re trying to help them.
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