Preventing cyber bullying

WHILE it is refreshing to know as parents that our children are embracing technology, it is distressing to know the dangers to which they are exposed through social media sites. One of these dangers is the cyber bullying which children often face while utilising online platforms.

But how can you prevent your child from being a victim of cyber bullying?

Though not easy, one crucial step is understanding what online sites children frequent, and advising your child about responsible usage.

An adolescent Internet social media and smartphone application usage survey conducted by the Office of the Children’s Advocate revealed that the most popular social media sites being used were YouTube, followed by Facebook, Google Plus, Instagram and Twitter. WhatsApp was the most used social media application.

Part of this survey sought to ascertain practices and experiences of children via social media sites and also revealed that 43 per cent of students have received messages from strangers which they deemed as inappropriate for their age; 66 per cent of students have posted personal photos of themselves online; 75 per cent of students have a Facebook account; 52 per cent have an Instagram profile; 85 per cent of students frequently post photos of themselves online, and six per cent admitted to posting nude or partially nude photos of themselves. Additionally, 20 per cent of students felt pressured to post content that was sexually explicit.

Among this was the prevalence of cyber bullying which led to the development of a social media campaign #BeSocialBeSmart and a social media guide dubbed “Be Social… Be Smart”.

To help protect your child from cyber bullying, Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison suggests the following:

1. Have an open discussion about acceptable and non-acceptable forms of behaviour on social media websites

From the survey, 23 per cent of students admitted that they have shared something online which later got them in trouble at school or at home.

2. Encourage your child not to respond to negativity

Gordon Harrison said parents should tell their children not to respond if negative tactics are being used by the bully, as it will only make the situation worse.

3. Be careful who you accept or let into your space

The study found that many more children were willing to accept and befriend people they wouldn’t talk to or interact with in real life. “You’re letting people who you don’t know into your space, and it will turn around and nip you and may morph into a bullying situation,” she said. “For example, a girl likes a boy, shares intimate pictures with him, something goes wrong, and he takes revenge by posting them on social media.” Additionally, based on the survey, 64 per cent of students were contacted by a stranger online in a way which made them feel uncomfortable or scared.

4. Encourage children to disclose an uncomfortable situation to an adult

“Encourage your child to find a trusted adult who can help them through their feelings, and children must tell their parents if someone sends them content — photos, videos, which they know their parents would not approve of,” Gordon Harrison said.