How to Shield Children from Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying has been growing as a big threat to children over the past 20 years but it has never been as prevalent as it is today. According to recent statistics, one in four middle and high school students in the US have been cyberbullied in the past 30 days which illustrates just how severe the problem currently is. 

Understandably, parents are desperate to protect their kids from cyberbullying as the consequences can often be devastating. Trevor Cooke, an online privacy expert at EarthWeb, recently revealed six top tips for parents to help ensure the internet is a safe space for their children.

Record all cyberbullying incidents

While we would all love to be able to shield our kids from cyberbullying, there is always the chance that they will be exposed to harmful messages. It’s imperative that parents keep a record of all of these incidents via screenshots as they can act as evidence when attempting to stamp out the issue with local or school authorities. 

Trevor says: “By keeping records of what happened, parents can provide accurate information to school administrators and law enforcement authorities if necessary.”

Limit tech access

Limiting tech time and access may make you hugely unpopular with your children but it’s the best thing for them in the long run. If you don’t want to restrict their time too much then you can also adapt privacy settings on all devices to restrict which websites they can access. 

Trevor says: “Consider implementing time limits or device restrictions to reduce exposure to harmful content and promote healthy screen time habits.”

Encourage open communication

A problem shared is a problem halved so encouraging open communication with your children is hugely important. Parents should establish a supportive and non-judgemental environment so their kids feel comfortable sharing their issues with them. The last thing you want is your children hiding their pain from you.

Trevor says: “Encourage your children to share their online experiences and concerns with you, and listen empathetically without judgment.”

Monitor their activity

There will always be an argument to respect your children’s privacy but given the issue with cyberbullying, this isn’t really an option at present. Monitor their online activity to spot signs of cyberbullying. You could even have any social media logins of theirs signed in on your phone so you can keep up in real-time. 

Trevor says: “Stay vigilant by actively monitoring your child’s online activity and regularly reviewing their social media accounts to ensure their safety and well-being.”

Get their school involved

If your child is experiencing cyberbullying then one of the best ways to nip it in the bud quickly is to contact their school, particularly if they are being bullied by a fellow student. It’s important that the school takes it seriously and puts things in place to protect them while they are away from home. 

Trevor says: “Working together with educators can help address the issue effectively and ensure that appropriate support is provided to all students involved.”

Seek professional help

Unfortunately, if your child has been experiencing cyberbullying for a lengthy period of time then professional help might be needed. Mental health professionals and counselors can help support your child with coping strategies to help them get over their trauma in the healthiest possible way. 

Trevor says: “If your child is struggling to cope with cyberbullying, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Counseling or therapy can provide them with the tools and support they need to navigate the emotional toll of cyberbullying and build resilience.”