Cyberbullying is a crime and children are easy victims of such crime. We all need to be concern about this and build awareness against cyberbullying. When anyone makes fun intentionally to harass or mistreats and threatens someone else online then it can be considered as cyberbullying.
Nowadays we all are more active in the online world. Even though people are using different kinds of online communication tools to make life simpler, social media and other texting apps are creating problems, especially for our kids. We often fail to help our kids to navigate their online world properly and avoid online bullying. Here are some tips to educate and set some ground rules to help our kids from cyberbullying.
You need to be mindful of your kid’s online activities. Take a look at what your kids are watching and listening. Try to discuss what apps and other online activities they are performing in their daily life. You don’t need to investigate all the time but try to get an idea about their online activities.
Being a friend or follower of your kids might be a good idea to keep track of their online activities. You can easily refrain from posing or commenting on their profiles and can avoid any embarrassing situation for your kids. You can follow those who are interacting with them online.
Guide your children to set a privacy setting and the proper use of maintaining privacy. Teach your child the importance of passwords. Help them to create a strong and effective password and keep passwords secret. It is important to teach children about the proper way of using any instant messaging. You have to educate them about the basic norms and rules before texting anyone or sharing something with anyone.
You need to set a time frame of using social media and other online communication tools. For example, set a rule of not using any electronic devices after 8 pm or may like to locked family Wi-Fi after a certain time. You need a good role model for your kids. Tell your kids to share any unaccepted behavior with you and treat others with respect and full courtesy.
Be a good listener and engage with your kids emotionally. Thus you will be able to develop positive self-esteem among them. Engage your kids into structured sports and hobbies and reduce their screen time. The more they spend time on screens, the more chances of physical and mental health problems.
Cyberbullying may have a negative effect on a kid’s mental health. It can lead to anxiety and depression. It also can create low self-esteem and reduce a child’s ability to learn. So take the necessary steps to keep your children safe from cyberbullying.