The last words any parent wants to utter, “I had no idea this was happening. . .”, yet with cyberbullying, they are all too common. Unlike a decade ago, when home served as a safe haven from school bullies, today’s digital world allows harassment to follow children everywhere. The pervasive nature of social media, messaging apps, and online gaming means that bullying can occur 24/7, making it harder for parents to detect and address.

Knowing How to Spot the Dangers

What are the dangers, threats, and channels through which cyberbullying occurs? As parents, it is crucial to understand and address these issues. Recognizing cyberbullying, identifying warning signs, fostering open communication, and implementing effective strategies are essential steps to ensure your child’s safety and well-being both online and offline.

The Stats are Alarming

• Only 1 in 10 teen victims will inform a parent or trusted adult of their abuse.
• 60% of young people have witnessed online bullying. Most do not intervene.
• Social Media companies such as Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook do little or nothing to help prevent cyberbullying and do even less to empower parents to monitor their child’s account.
• 95% of teens in the U.S. are online, and the vast majority access the internet on their smartphone, making it the most common medium for cyberbullying.
• 41% of people who have received physical threats on social media say the platform did not respond or take action.
• 51% of cyberbullying in schools is done by the victims’ classmates. 30% were children that the victim did not know.

It may feel as though cyberbullying is not a matter of if, but when it will occur. Given this reality, parents must be proactive in taking steps to protect their children. This involves educating them about online safety, maintaining open lines of communication, monitoring their digital activities, and fostering a supportive environment where they feel comfortable reporting any issues.

By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyberbullying and help your children navigate the digital world more safely.

How to Respond to Cyberbullies

When something like this happens the best thing your child can do is screenshot the messages, identify who is talking to your child, block them immediately, and don’t respond. It’s not worth the mental toll cyberbullies can add by responding to them. Teach your child to block the cyberbully as soon as they realize what they are doing, and notify you or another trusted adult.

If Your Child is Being Cyberbullied

If you discover that your child is being cyberbullied, it can feel as though your entire world is under attack. The need to restore the safety for your child can be a difficult road to walk, but there are certain steps you can take to quickly get a handle on the situation and stop the cyberbullying once and for all.

1 – Avoid Escalating the Situation

Responding with hostility is likely to provoke a bully and escalate the situation. Depending on the circumstances, consider ignoring the issue. Often, bullies thrive on the reaction of their victims. Other options include subtle actions. For example, your child may be able to block the messages on social networking sites or stop unwanted emails by changing the email address. If they continue to get messages at the new email address, you may have a stronger case for legal action.

2 – Document the Activity

Keep a record of any online activity (emails, web pages, instant messages, etc.), including relevant dates and times. In addition to archiving an electronic version, consider printing a copy.

3 – Report Cyberbullying to the Appropriate Authorities

If your child is being harassed or threatened, report the activity. Many schools have instituted anti-bullying programs, so school officials may have established policies for dealing with activity that involves students. If necessary, contact your local law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies have different policies, but your local police department or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) branch are good starting points.

If your child is experiencing suicidal ideation, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor.

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

Stay Informed, Engaged and Vigilant

Despite the alarming statistics, there is hope in protecting your family from cyberbullying. By taking proactive steps and leveraging available resources, you can create a safer online environment for their children. The key is to stay informed, engaged, and vigilant.

Communicate with your children

One of the most effective ways to protect your children is to foster open communication. Encourage your kids to share their online experiences, both positive and negative, and assure them that they can come to you without fear of judgment or punishment. Building a foundation of trust will make it easier for them to report any instances of cyberbullying. Additionally, educating your children about the importance of digital citizenship and the impact of their online actions can help them navigate the internet responsibly.

Utilize good technology

You can also utilize technology to their advantage. Many tools and apps are available that allow for monitoring of your child’s online activity, setting limits on screen time, and filtering inappropriate content. While it’s important to respect your child’s privacy, finding a balance between oversight and independence is crucial. Implementing parental controls and regularly reviewing privacy settings on social media platforms can significantly reduce the risk of exposure to cyberbullying.

Engage with your community efforts

Schools and communities play a vital role in combating cyberbullying as well. Advocate for comprehensive anti-bullying policies and programs within your child’s school, and engage with other parents to create a supportive network. Many schools offer resources such as counseling and workshops that can help both parents and students understand the dynamics of cyberbullying and develop effective coping strategies.

While cyberbullying is a pervasive issue, you have the power to protect your children through education, open communication, and the use of monitoring tools. By staying involved and proactive, you can create a safer online environment and offer your children the support they need to navigate the digital world with confidence.

Getting Expert Help to Safeguard Your Family

Creating an online safety plan for your family, setting up effective parental controls, and combating cyberbullying can be more challenging and take more time than you’d like. iDefend makes it easier than ever for parents to cultivate healthy digital habits in the home and protect kids against all types of cyber risks, including cyberbullying.

Our team of advisors work with you to create a personalized protection plan for your family’s unique needs. Expert guidance, practical tips, and monitoring solutions empower you to take control of your family’s online safety and healthy balance with technology. We’re the experts so you don’t have to be.

Learn more and get protected today with iDefend. Try it risk free and save 30%.