Get real about cyber bullying
NOT ON: BE PROACTIVE AND TEACH KIDS ONLINE SAFETY Tips to not only recognise the bullies, but how to deal with this hurtful issue.
International Stand Up to Bullying Day, a semi-annual event on 20 November, encourages people to take a stand against bullying. It als also serves as an opportunity portun to take stock of cyber-bullying cyb and how i it’s impacting your childr children.
Cyb e r - b u l l y - ing in is a growing problem. p According to Casey Rousseau from 1st for Women Insurance, who launched SA’s fi first cyber-bullying ing insurance policy, says says: “The threat of bein being cyber-bullied has increased given the unprecedented rise in screen time duri during the Covid-19 pand pandemic.”
Wh While many social medi media platforms take their policies seriously ly w when it comes to redu reducing cyber-bullying, children remain at risk and more needs to be done.
What can parents do about it? Be proactive in speaking to your children about online safety and cyber-bullying.
Cyber-safety expert, founder of SaveTNet Cyber Safety and author of Raising a SCREEN SAVVY child Rianette Leibowitz shares her advice on what parents need to consider.
“There are different types of cyber-bullying. It is using the internet and digital platforms to intentionally embarrass or hurt someone.
“To help them deal with this, children need cyber-savvy parents.
“You can join groups on social media, attend seminars and also see what educational sessions your children’s schools might be offering,” she says.
To help them deal with this, children need cyber-savvy parents.
Rianette Leibowitz Cyber-safety expert
Leibowitz offers these tips:
Tell them what cyberbullying is, what the signs are and how to recognise it. Help them to identify and articulate it. Check out the privacy settings, terms and conditions and usage rights of the platforms your children are on.
Adhere to age restrictions specified by the platforms. Use parental control apps and set up a social media or internet usage agreement with your children so that you are both on the same page of what is acceptable online behaviour. Be interested and involved in your child’s online world and have regular conversations about the friends they meet, the games they play and the risks involved. Understand that even if an account is set to private, and other users cannot see your children, they are still being exposed to the content.
Guide them to make informed and good decisions when it comes to the content they consume.
Empower your kids
“While we cannot always control the internet and social media usage of our children, we have to be realistic that they are susceptible to being bullied. It is important then that we, as parents, equip both them and ourselves as best as possible to deal with this issue,” says Rousseau.
“Since we launched our cyberbullying product we have seen a positive uptake and feel that this is at least one way 1st for Women can help parents with the help they need.”