The millennial’s guide to dealing with cyberbullying

Iis especially important if the cyberbullying occurred on school grounds. But even if it happened off school grounds, some schools allow the authority to intervene, especially since the cyberbullying and other types of bullying will infiltrate institution at some point. What’s more, even if the cyberbullying occurred off campus, the students will likely still discuss it at school.

4. Report cyberbullying to the social media sites and your ISP

When cyberbullying occurs on your personal accounts or happens at home, it’s important that you forward copies of the cyberbullying to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). And if the cyberbullying occurred on a social media site, be sure to report it to them as well. Sites like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter will investigate cyberbullying claims, especially when it involves a minor. Even if the cyberbullying is anonymous or occurs under a fake account, you should report it.

Many times, the ISP, along with the police, can track down who is posting or sending the messages. Remember, you do not have not have to put up with cyberbullying. Many times, the cyberbully will leave a clear trail of evidence that if reported to the appropriate authorities can go a long way in putting an end to it.

5. Contact the police immediately regarding any threats

Threats of death, threats of physical violence, indications of stalking and even suggestions to commit suicide should be reported immediately. You should also report any harassment that continues over an extended period of time as well as any correspondence that includes harassment based on race, religion or disability. The police will address these incidents.

6. Cut off communication Cancel current social networking accounts including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and open new accounts. If the cyberbullying is happening via cell phone, change your cell number and get an unlisted number. Then, block the cyberbully from your new social networking sites, email accounts, instant messaging and cell phones. The key is to make it very difficult for the cyberbully to contact you.

7. Be aware of the effects of cyberbullying

Millennials who are cyberbullied experience a wide variety of effects including everything from feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable to feeling depressed and even suicidal. Be very aware of the consequences of cyberbullying and do not be afraid to get the help that you need in order to heal.

For parent-readers who are aware of their child getting cyberbullied, watch for changes in behavior and communicate on a daily basis with your child. It also is important to distract your child from social media. Do something fun together or encourage your child to take up a new hobby. The key is to redirect her attention away from what others are saying and doing.

8. Seek counseling and support

Cyberbullying is a big issue that shouldn’t be handled alone. Be sure to surround yourself with supportive friends and family. Remember, it helps to talk to someone about what is happening. Consider finding a professional counselor to help you. You also should have yourself evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if you notice changes in mood, sleeping habits or eating habits.

9. Refrain from taking away technology

For parents, it is normal to want to eliminate what is hurting your child. And for most, the logical answer seems to be to take away the smartphone and the computer. But, for teens, this often means cutting off communication with their entire world.

Their phones and their computers are one of the most important ways they communicate with others.

If that option for communication is removed, they can feel secluded and cut off from their world. This can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation. Instead, help your child navigate the situation by changing online behaviors, setting up boundaries and limiting time online.

n today’s modern world, social media is so convenient that it becomes the preferred method of communication for millennials. However, the disadvantage is that there also a noticeable increase in the number of cyberbullying cases reported. And there are probably even more that go unreported.