Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place through technology - using cell phones, computers and tablets, on social media sites. It could be via text messages, chat forums, blogs and websites. This definition includes sending mean texts or emails to someone, circulating rumors on social networking sites, posting embarrassing pictures and videos without consent, and even creating fake profiles. Children, tweens and teenagers can be vulnerable to cyber-bullying, especially when they are unaware of the dangers and are ill-equipped to protect themselves.
We live in times when it's tough to go through life without the internet, even for a day. For many people, their profiles on popular social networking sites are a part of their identity. It is no wonder that our children and teens are adopting this lifestyle with so much ease. Being connected to the internet has many perks - information at our fingertips, being connected to our loved ones and friends who live far away from us, etc. However, like most school playgrounds, the virtual space has its share of bullies.
How can it affect my child?
Although social media sites can be used for positive activities - connecting children to family and friends, helping students with schoolwork, etc. - these tools can also be used to hurt and shame them. Children who are cyber-bullied tend to feel ashamed, embarrassed and intensely distressed. As a result, they might want to skip school, withdraw from friends, experience mood and behavioral changes like going silent or having sudden fits of anger, and changes in appetite or sleep.
Cyberbullying can also hurt the child's self-esteem and self-image and hinder their ability to learn effective social skills later on in life. Severe and frequent cyberbullying can leave children at a greater risk for anxiety, depression, and other stress-related disorders. Due to its ubiquitous nature, some children have felt targeted all the time and have admitted to turning to suicide.
How serious is the situation?
Several governments are becoming aware of the prevalence of cyberbullying and online harassment, and the way it impacts its victims. Among 25 countries surveyed by Microsoft corporation, India is reported the 3rd highest bullying rate, after China and Singapore. Shockingly 46% are aware of the risks and would still go to great lengths to make their online activity more appealing. 51% aren’t bothered about online privacy, while 52% of the kids say that their parents aren’t concerned about the same. This would leave children feeling helpless as they may not have anyone to turn to in tense situations. Unfortunately, in India, the rates of online and offline bullying are almost equal.
As a concerned family member or a friend, there are certain measures you can take to prevent cyber-bullying; you could read more about this in our article “Protect your child from cyber-bullying”.
If you would like to discuss this further or need some help or support in this or any other area, our counsellors would be happy to help.
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