Parents: Signs Your Child May Be a Victim of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a painful part of childhood and adolescence for too many American children. In fact, a study released by Intel in 2014 showed that 87 percent of teens have witnessed cyberbullying, while another study showed that one third have personally experienced it.

Cyberbullying can be traumatic, with some teens deleting their social media accounts to get away from their attackers. Tragically, some find peace by taking their own lives. That was the case with California teen Audrie Pott who was sexually assaulted at the age of 15. Her attackers took photos of her, which were shared with classmates.

The problem is so pervasive that future First Lady Melania Trump plans to fight on behalf of children being exploited. In a speech shortly before the election, she said, "Technology has changed our universe. But like anything that is powerful, it can have a bad side. Children and teenagers can be fragile. They are hurt when they are made fun of or made to feel less in looks or intelligence... It is terrible when that happens on the playground. And it is absolutely unacceptable when it is done by someone with no name hiding on the internet."

As a parent, how can you tell if your child is being cyberbullied, and what can you do to help them? First, here are the signs to watch for, from the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children.

Signs Your Child May Be a Victim of Cyberbullying

• Avoids the computer, cell phone and other technological devices or appears stressed when receiving an e-mail, instant message or text
• Withdraws from family and friends or acts reluctant to attend school and social events
• Avoids conversations about computer use
• Exhibits signs of low self-esteem including depression and/or fear
• Has declining grades
• Has poor eating or sleeping habits

What constitutes cyberbullying? Here are some common types of cyberbullying, so you can educate your child.

Common Forms of Cyberbullying

• Flaming and Trolling – sending or posting hostile messages intended to “inflame” the emotions of others
• Happy-Slapping – recording someone being harassed or bullied in a way that usually involves physical abuse, then posting the video online for public viewing
• Identity Theft/Impersonation – stealing someone’s password and/or hijacking their online accounts to send or post incriminating or humiliating pictures, videos or information
• Photoshopping – doctoring digital images so that the main subject is placed in a compromising or embarrassing situation
• Physical Threats – sending messages that involve threats to a person’s physical safety
• Rumor Spreading – spreading gossip through e-mail, text messaging or social networking sites

Now that you're informed about cyberbullying, the important next part of the plan is concrete steps you may take to protect your child.

1. Tell your child not to respond to rude e-mails, messages and comments.
2. Save the evidence, such as e-mail and text messages, and take screenshots of comments and images. Also, take note of the date and time when the harassment occurs.
3. Contact your internet service provider (ISP) or cell phone provider. Ask the website administrator or ISP to remove any web page created to hurt your child.
4. If harassment is via e-mail, social networking sites, IM and chat rooms, instruct your child to “block” bullies or delete your child’s current account and open a new one.
5. If harassment is via text and phone messages, change the phone number and instruct your child to only share the new number with trustworthy people. Also, check out phone features that may allow the number to be blocked.
6. Get your child’s school involved. Learn the school’s policy on cyberbullying and urge administrators to take a stance against all forms of bullying.
7. Make a report to www.cybertipline.com, and if you feel something illegal has occurred, inform law enforcement.

-Image via Pixabay

Further reading:

• Intel Security Research
• Cyberbullying Research Center
• National Center For Missing and Exploited Children