For those reading this, who has not touched a technological gadget in the past two months? Yes, that includes iPads, laptops, mobile phones, tablets. Seems impossible not to have, isn’t it? With Work-From-Home and Home-Based Learning having been kicked into full gear since 7 April 2020, sales of these technological gadgets have skyrocketed A tech-powered world offers immense opportunities to our young kids, the Gen Z. They are growing up in an age of advanced tech and are taking their first steps into the online world at really young ages. But are there some concerns which we should be focusing on?
Let’s take a look at the biggest threat that kids face today in the online world – Cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying – Taking Bullying Online
We all know what bullying is. It is an age-old vice which has tormented people across generations, having far-reaching consequences. Cyberbullying is the online version of this. It takes place via mobile phones, computers and other similar gadgets. It can include name-calling, taunting, body shaming, sharing content with the aim of humiliating someone, etc. These activities are intended to cause embarrassment and harm.
What are the consequences of cyberbullying? The victims often carry the scars for years. Cyberbullying dents self-esteem. It also pushes victims into depression and in extreme cases even suicide.
How susceptible are our children?
Children and adolescents are two of the most susceptible groups when it comes to cyberbullying.
UNICEF recently revealed that children are more at risk of cyberbullying right now. What was the reason for this? More than 1.5 billion students are out of their classrooms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A large chunk of those students are spending more time online now because of online classes and a lack of choice with regard to activities.
More screen time for kids increases the chances of cyberbullying. This is extremely concerning, as Singaporean kids, at the average age of 8 is one of the youngest to get hold of their first electronic gadget.
The Likely Victims
Within children and adolescents, there are some who are more at risk of falling victim to cyberbullying. These include children who move to a new school, those who are struggling with their gender identities and those who do not conform to the general peer mentality. Children who are suffering from physical issues, as well as mental ailments, are also more susceptible to online bullying.
Is your child being bullied?
Spend time with your children, observe them and look for any sudden change in behaviour. This can be a dip in confidence, increased anxiety or withdrawal. It can also be a change in sleep cycle or reduced appetite. Sometimes the changes can be really subtle, therefore making it easier for us to ignore them if we are not careful.
Parents need to be able to pick up the cues and respond appropriately. For this, they must make their children feel comfortable about speaking to them about all issues. If your child fears that you will take away his gadget or reduce his screen time if he tells you about his experience of being cyberbullied, then how can you expect him to be frank with you? Parents need to help their children and be their primary emotional support systems. It would not be wrong for parents to monitor the online activity of their underage children in a discreet manner. Do remember though, respecting your child’s privacy and protecting their well-being should be of utmost priority.
Deterring the Bullies
We must give our children the necessary support and help them stand up to bullies. Social media platforms give you the option to report offensive activity. We must utilise this. There are also legal measures which can be availed.
A large number of cyberbullies are adolescents or children. The culprits are usually within the peer group. Thus a holistic approach to prevent cyberbullying would require proper conditioning of our children. We need to inculcate in them an attitude that despises bullying to ensure that they don’t become perpetrators.
“Technology is a useful servant but dangerous master.” Like two sides of a coin, the internet comes with its own share of positives and negatives. As parents, we need to educate our children on both spheres. Help them explore the numerous positives of the online space and at the same time, alert them about the various negatives.
Concerted efforts are needed to tackle cyberbullying. Parents have to take an active role in this effort now. As many students are now home and required to spend more time online, the risks of cyberbullying are increased. Let’s prepare ourselves for these dangers and combat them effectively. Here’s to protecting our young ones! 🙂
Cyber-bullying Facts:
Exam Smart Tips
Exam Smart Tip #1 – How to Encourage Our Kids to Speak Better?
Exam Smart Tip #2 – How to avoid carelessness?
Exam Smart Tip #3 – Establishing Routines!
Exam Smart Tip #4 – Let’s Read Carefully!
Exam Smart Tip #5 – Beating the Exam Fever!
Exam Smart Tip #6 – How to Eat Right for the Exams?
Exam Smart Tip #7 – How to Avoid a Meltdown?
Exam Smart Tip #8 – Taking Stress out of Tests
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