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How to Deal With Cyberbullying: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

Author: Jodi Kunz
October 4, 2024
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The Growing Threat of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying has become a pervasive issue in today’s digital age, with its prevalence and severity increasing over the years. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying occurs online, allowing perpetrators to hide behind screens and inflict harm anonymously, causing significant damage to children and adolescents. As parents, it’s crucial to understand the tactics used by cyberbullies and take proactive steps to protect your child. 

This guide aims to demystify cyberbullying for you, providing insight and support every step of the way, empowering you to protect and guide your child through this difficult experience.

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The Shocking Statistics

Cyberbullying has reached alarming proportions, with over 50% of children experiencing it in 2024. Girls and young women are particularly vulnerable, with 73% reporting receiving unwanted sexual content last year alone. Even gamers are not immune, with 6 in 10 experiencing severe harassment, half reporting discrimination, and over a quarter reporting sexual harassment.

A study conducted between 2007 and 2023 found that almost 31% of US students have been bullied online at some point in their lives, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue.

The insidious nature of cyberbullying leaves lasting scars on both victims and perpetrators.

Text on a green background states: Over 50% of children experienced cyberbullying in 2024. 73% reported receiving unwanted sexual content.

According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, in 2023, the most common forms of cyberbullying experienced (among those who were cyberbullied) included:

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Someone posted mean or hurtful comments about me online.

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Someone spread rumors about me online.

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Someone embarra-ssed or humiliate me online.

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Someone inten-tionally excluded me from a group text or group chat.

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Someone repeatedly contacted me via text or online after I told them to stop.

Understanding Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying involves the use of technology to harass, threaten, or embarrass someone. It can occur on various platforms, including social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, and email. Cyberbullying can have a devastating impact on victims, leading to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

Two orange, eight-pointed star shapes on a transparent background subtly evoke themes of resilience and interconnectedness, reminiscent of strategies on how to deal with cyberbullying. One star is slightly above and to the left of the other, symbolizing guidance and support in digital spaces.
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Common Cyberbullying Tactics

Cyberbullying can take many forms. Here are ten common types:
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Flaming:

Sending hostile or insulting messages online, often using vulgar or abusive language.

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Denigration: 



Posting negative or false information about someone online, often targeting their appearance, character, or abilities.

A large, green number 3 is centered on a light green background.

Impersonation:

Creating a fake online profile to pretend to be someone else and spread rumors or misinformation

A light green shield shape displaying the number 4 in a darker green at the center.

Outing:

Sharing someone's personal information online without their consent, often with malicious intent.

A teal number 5 is centered on a light green background, symbolizing step five in learning how to deal with cyberbullying.

Exclusion:

Intentionally excluding someone from online groups or activities, often as a form of punishment or social isolation.

A light blue background subtly complements a large, bold number 6 in a shade of turquoise at the center, symbolizing the steps outlined in How to Deal With Cyberbullying.

Masquerading:

Pretending to be someone else to trick or deceive a victim.

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Stalking:

Repeatedly harassing or threatening someone online, even after they have asked to be left alone.

The image, with a green number 8 on a light green background, subtly hints at the steps on how to deal with cyberbullying.

Tricking:

Using deception or manipulation to trick someone into revealing personal information or engaging in harmful activities

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Cyberbullying through apps:

Using messaging apps or other platforms to send harmful or threatening messages.

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Revenge porn:

Sharing sexually explicit images or videos of someone without their consent

Common Cyberbullying Tactics

Psychological:

Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, social isolation, fear, helplessness, suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Social:

Damaged reputation, exclusion from social groups, difficulty trusting others, academic decline.

Physical:

Headaches, stomachaches, sleep disturbances, changes in eating habits.

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The Devastating Impact of Cyberbullying

  • Low self-esteem: Victims may feel ashamed, embarrassed, or worthless.
  • Depression and anxiety: Cyberbullying can contribute to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
  • Academic difficulties: Victims may struggle to focus on schoolwork and experience academic decline.
  • Social isolation: Cyberbullying can lead to social withdrawal and isolation.
  • Physical health problems: Cyberbullying can contribute to physical health issues, such as headaches, stomachaches, and sleep problems.
Two orange, eight-pointed star shapes on a transparent background subtly evoke themes of resilience and interconnectedness, reminiscent of strategies on how to deal with cyberbullying. One star is slightly above and to the left of the other, symbolizing guidance and support in digital spaces.
Blue text on a light green background reads, Perpetrators also face consequences, though often unseen. Its essential to understand how to deal with cyberbullying effectively.
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Psychological:

Increased aggression, risk of depression and substance abuse, lack of empathy, potential future criminal behavior.

Social:

Difficulty forming healthy relationships, damaged academic and professional prospects, legal repercussions.

Moral:

Difficulty understanding the harm they cause, potential for internal conflict due to guilt or shame.

Protecting Your Child from Cyberbullying

  • Talk to your child: Encourage open communication and create a safe space for your child to share their experiences.
  • Document the incidents: Save any evidence of cyberbullying, such as screenshots, emails, or text messages.
  • Report the bullying: Contact the platform where the bullying is occurring and report the incident.
  • Seek support: Reach out to other parents, school counselors, or mental health professionals for support and guidance.
  • Empower your child: Teach your child how to respond to cyberbullying in a healthy and constructive way.
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Age-Specific Signs:

Sudden decline in schoolwork, withdrawal from social activities, nightmares, unexplained physical complaints like stomach aches or headaches, secretive online behavior.
Elementary School:
Increased social media anxiety, changes in mood or sleep patterns, avoidance of specific online platforms or groups, self-deprecating comments, loss of interest in hobbies.
Middle School:
Cyberstalking, impersonation on social media, hurtful rumors spread online, exclusion from online groups, threats of violence or blackmail.
High School:
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The Role of Parents and Educators

Parents and educators play a crucial role in protecting children from cyberbullying. By fostering open communication, monitoring online activity, and providing education on online safety, we can create a safer digital environment for our children. Unlike traditional bullying’s limitations, cyberbullying knows no boundaries. It follows your child wherever they venture online, its anonymity emboldening aggressors and its permanence leaving lasting scars. Recognizing the early warning signs is vital: watch for changes in behavior such as withdrawal, anxiety, sleep disturbances, or hesitancy towards online interactions. Open communication and, if appropriate, parental control tools can offer valuable insights. Remember, trust is your most potent weapon; cultivate a safe space where your child feels comfortable confiding in you without fear of judgment.
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Cyberbullying knows no boundaries. It follows your child wherever they venture online.

Knowledge is your child’s shield. Educate them about responsible online behavior, the weight of their digital footprint, and the potential dangers of cyberbullying. Set clear boundaries through screen time limits, app restrictions, and open dialogues about online interactions. Foster empathy and responsible communication, equipping them to be positive digital citizens who navigate the online world with awareness and respect. It’s crucial to understand that cyberbullying can often be disguised as harmless banter or teasing. While it may be dismissed as “just kidding,” if your child feels hurt or targeted, it’s important to take it seriously. As an adult, you can help your child differentiate between harmless jokes and harmful bullying behaviors.
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Understanding the Psychology of Cyberbullies

To effectively combat cyberbullying, it’s essential to understand the motivations and behaviors of cyberbullies. While the reasons for engaging in cyberbullying can vary, some common factors include:
  • Power and control: Cyberbullies may seek to gain power and control over their victims, often driven by feelings of inadequacy or insecurity.
  • Revenge: Cyberbullies may target victims as a form of revenge for perceived slights or conflicts.
  • Boredom or entertainment: Some cyberbullies may engage in bullying for amusement or to relieve boredom.
  • Lack of empathy: Cyberbullies may lack empathy and understanding for the consequences of their actions.
  • Peer pressure: In some cases, cyberbullies may be influenced by their peers or a desire to fit in.

Recognizing the Signs of Cyberbullying in Your Child

It’s important to be aware of the signs that your child may be a victim of cyberbullying. These can include:
  • Changes in behavior: Withdrawal from social activities, decreased interest in hobbies, or changes in mood.
  • Avoidance of technology: Reluctance to use electronic devices or spend time online.
  • Physical symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, or sleep problems.
  • Academic difficulties: Struggling to focus on schoolwork or experiencing a decline in grades.
  • Social isolation: Becoming withdrawn from friends and family.
  • Changes in appearance: Changes in eating habits, sleep patterns, or physical appearance.
  • Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus or pay attention.
  • Sudden outbursts of anger or aggression.
If you notice any of these signs in your child, it’s important to talk to them about what they’re experiencing.
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When Your Child is the Bully

It can be incredibly difficult to discover that your child is the one perpetuating cyberbullying. However, it’s important to address this issue promptly and compassionately. Here are some steps you can take:

Acknowledge the Problem:

The first step is to acknowledge that your child may be involved in cyberbullying. It can be difficult to admit, but denial won't help resolve the situation.Discover the benefits of the Troomi Parent Portal here.

Open Communication:

Establish open communication with your child. Create a safe space for them to talk about their feelings and experiences. Avoid blaming or shaming them, as this may make them less likely to open up.

Understand the Motivations:

Try to understand why your child might be engaging in cyberbullying. Are they seeking attention, trying to fit in, or experiencing personal difficulties?

Set Clear Boundaries:

Establish clear rules and consequences for cyberbullying. Explain the harmful effects of their behavior and the importance of treating others with respect.

Seek Professional Help:

If your child is struggling with anger, aggression, or other underlying issues, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor.

Text on a rounded rectangle reads: Remember, addressing cyberbullying requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to helping your child develop healthy coping mechanisms. By learning how to deal with cyberbullying, you empower your child to break the cycle and treat others with respect.
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Encourage Empathy and Understanding:

Help your child develop empathy and understanding for others. Encourage them to put themselves in the shoes of their victims and consider the consequences of their actions.

Monitor Online Activity:

Keep an eye on your child's online activity to identify any warning signs of cyberbullying. This includes checking their social media accounts, emails, and messaging apps.

Educate Your Child About Cyberbullying:

Teach your child about the harmful effects of cyberbullying and the importance of treating others with respect. Explain the legal consequences of cyberbullying and the potential long-term impact on their own reputation and future.

Provide Positive Role Modeling:

Demonstrate respectful online behavior yourself and avoid engaging in any form of bullying or harassment.

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Seek Support:

Connect with other parents or support groups for advice and guidance. There are many resources available to help parents deal with cyberbullying.

Creating a Safe Online Environment

To help protect your child from cyberbullying, it’s important to create a safe and supportive online environment. This includes:
  • Setting clear rules and expectations: Establish clear rules and expectations for your child’s online behavior, including time limits and appropriate content.
  • Using parental controls: Utilize parental control features on devices and platforms to monitor and restrict your child’s online activity.
  • Educating your child about online safety: Teach your child about the dangers of sharing personal information, the importance of strong passwords, and the risks of talking to strangers online.
  • Encouraging healthy online habits: Promote positive online experiences by encouraging your child to engage in activities that foster creativity, learning, and social connections.
  • Monitoring online activity: Regularly check your child’s social media accounts, gaming platforms, and chat histories.
  • Talking to your child about cyberbullying: Have open conversations with your child about the dangers of cyberbullying and encourage them to report any suspicious activity.
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Cyberbullying should not define your child’s journey. Work together to develop a digital safety plan, focusing on password protection, privacy settings, and responsible online practices. Advocate for online safety in your child’s school and community. Remember, your courage and unwavering support will empower your child to navigate the digital world with confidence and resilience.

Specific Coping Mechanisms

Mindfulness exercises

Deep breathing, guided meditations, focusing on the present moment to manage anxiety and emotional distress.

Social support building

Encourage communication with close friends, family members, or a therapist to build a network of support and understanding.

Creative expression

Journaling, drawing, music, or other activities to process and express emotions constructively.

Physical activity

Engaging in sports, exercise, or outdoor activities can release stress and improve mood.
In a sunlit studio, where creativity blooms, a person in a denim shirt paints an abstract piece, vibrant as thoughts on how to deal with cyberbullying. Surrounded by canvases and art supplies, each stroke becomes an expression of resilience amidst the colorful chaos.

Seeking Help

If your child is being cyberbullied, it’s important to seek help from a trusted adult or professional. Here are some resources that can provide support:

Here are some valuable resources to help parents address cyberbullying:

National Organizations

Online Support Groups and Communities:

Apps and Tools:

Government Agencies:

A man and woman stand in a lush garden, smiling warmly at each other. Hes in a gray shirt with his arm around her shoulder, while she holds a phone, clad in a blue shirt and denim shorts. The serene setting contrasts the digital realm, where knowing how to deal with cyberbullying is essential.
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Conclusion

Is Technology Still Good? This guide serves as a starting point, not an endpoint. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, demanding continuous vigilance and adaptation. Seek out additional resources, engage in ongoing conversations with your child, and most importantly, remember: you are not simply a protector, but a partner in your child’s digital journey. Together, you can face the challenges of cyberbullying with understanding, support, and the unwavering belief in your child’s strength and resilience. For additional support and tools to empower your child’s digital safety, consider exploring Troomi Wireless. Its advanced parental control features, including screen time limits, app restrictions, and monitoring capabilities, can provide valuable insights and peace of mind. Troomi’s commitment to creating a safe and positive online environment for children aligns perfectly with your own desire to protect and guide your child as they navigate the digital world. By combining your unwavering support with tools like Troomi, you can build a strong foundation for digital safety, empowering your child to navigate the online world with confidence and resilience. Remember, you are not alone. By taking proactive steps and seeking support, you can help protect your child from the harmful effects of cyberbullying and create a safer digital environment. Learn more about cyberbullying prevention and child safety at Troomi.
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