Currently, children and adolescents use new technologies to learn, entertain themselves, communicate… this last need is one of the most important for human beings.
The youngest children browse social networks at all hours trying to fulfill this need, or who knows… In truth, we do not fully know the actions that our children carry out on these communication platforms. Are they being cyberbullied, or are they the ones engaging in cyberbullying?
Unfortunately, the word cyberbullying is heard a lot these days, but if you still don’t know very well what it is, at díde we’ll explain it to you.
Cyberbullying is a form of school bullying or bullying that feeds on social networks or communication platforms of any online video game, forum, website… The youngest take advantage of the wide dissemination of these platforms to launch insults, offenses, humiliations, contempt, in short, to psychologically abuse their peers.
How is it possible to detect cyberbullying?
There are certain behaviors that can leave a mark. Children and adolescents may show symptoms of anxiety, stress, accompanied by low self-esteem, fatigue, negative behavior, frustration…
Also, it can be identified when there is a certain deprivation of communication between parents and children. The little ones don’t tell us about their day at school or what they do on their computers; they are inhibited, sad… or when the youngest experience low school performance.
In addition, if cyberbullying is prolonged over time, certain problems can be triggered in the minor, such as eating disorders, sleep disorders, psychological problems, depression…
As mothers and fathers, is it possible to stop cyberbullying? On many occasions, technological means are favorable for those who practice cyberbullying because the aggressors remain anonymous, hiding behind a profile. In these cases, reporting cyberbullying practices is an option. However, at díde we present many others…
- It is advisable to install some parental control application on the devices of children and adolescents to maintain control over which websites they visit and how long they browse.
- It is convenient for the little ones to avoid using their real first and last names. Any nickname or ‘nickname’ will suffice.
- If cyberbullying is carried out through Facebook, the harassment messages can be reported so that the platform itself takes the appropriate measures, or else execute the option of “report a threatening message” by filling out a form. Facebook will take care of the rest.
- If the medium chosen by the harasser or harassers is Whatsapp, keep in mind that you can access the backup. This may be located in the internal memory of the phone, the memory card, or in OneDrive. Having these backups enabled, we can access some conversations. Also, remember that you can also block users.
- Always remember to save the harasser’s messages or take screenshots if you see something strange. They will be a valuable proof against the harasser. It is advisable, when taking the screenshot, that it includes the date and time of the computer/smartphone or the publication on the social network.
- Any social network gives us the option to block the harassing profile in case the abuses continue. This will prevent these profiles from being able to contact the minor.
- You should never give the harasser a chance to continue with harassing messages. All that is achieved is to prolong the suffering and increase the tone of these messages. Therefore, there is also the option of reporting the account of the social network, forum, video game… of the person who is carrying out harassment. But not before taking evidence of these acts, as their profile may be deleted later.
It is essential to stimulate the feeling of strength and courage in your children so that the problems they suffer are minimized in this type of situation. In this way, the confidence of the youngest will increase.
Remember that activating trust between parents and children is essential for communication to flow. Also, don’t forget to observe your children’s behavior, as it is essential when it comes to obtaining clues about the world in which they operate.
At díde we want to convey to you that you are not alone in the fight against any type of harassment. Don’t look the other way. Act! Join the efectodíde!
