How to Manage Cyberbullying: Effective Tips for Parents
Eduardo T. Natividad
Pupils now have fast access to cell phones, tablets, and laptops, which opens amazing new ways of communicating, interacting, and learning. These new channels of communication, however, bring significant challenges for parents. Parents must not only assist their children in navigating in-person social settings, but they must also educate them about making healthy connections online. Parents will be able to guide their children through this new virtual world.
Cyberbullying can occur anywhere there is social interaction online. Some young people, for example, use social media, video games, texting, or anonymous apps to bully other young people, post humiliating images, reveal private information, or send threatening messages. Students can utilize their access to a huge online audience to persuade their friends to target someone with gossip, rumors, and false reports.
Because most children have constant access to some sort of technology, cyberbullying can occur at any time of day—morning, afternoon, or evening—while at home. Anonymous cyberbullying is possible. Those who are bullied may not even know who is perpetrating the bullying, making it easier for one youngster to attack another without being held accountable. For parents, maintain an open line of communication. Check in with your children daily to see how things are doing while they have their online class. Create a caring environment and use a calm, friendly tone so they will not be afraid to inform you if something is wrong. Stress the importance of their safety and well-being, and that they should always communicate to you about any problems.
Finally, it is up to parents to assist their young child in dealing with a bully. Help them learn to make wise decisions and act when they are bullied and be prepared to intervene if necessary. During this new normal educational setup, parents and teachers must be informed and involved to properly control it.
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The author is Teacher III and Officer-in-Charge of Gen. Balao Elementary School, Solana W est Educational Zone District, Schools Division of Cagayan, Region IICagayan Valley