What is cyberbullying?

How do we identify cyberbullying? What steps can we take to prevent cyberbullying? Defining cyberbullying, identifying causes, and looking at preventive solutions are all key in stopping cyberbullying. 

First, How do we define cyberbullying:

Cyberbullying is when someone posts mean or harmful on the internet. This may be in texts, group texts, social media, video games, apps, or other digital devices. 

Next, understanding some causes of cyberbullying can help with prevention. This article examines some of the reasons behind cyberbullying:

https://secureteen.com/cyberbullying/cause-of-cyberbullying

Causes of Cyberbullying

The cause of cyberbullying lies in the motivation of the bully. Why do they choose to bully and what makes them this much confident? It all starts when one person decides to cross the limits to humiliate the other one. So, what are the motivating factors of cyberbullying?

·A Lack of Empathy

Where technology has opened up space, it has also given the authority of stating any opinion, criticizing anyone while sitting at home. It is very easy to distance yourself from the intense situations over the internet by just shutting it down. That’s why people who don’t realize the level of pain that they have might cause to the other person are the ones who become bully. This makes them feel powerful. 

·The Victim Deserves It

The thought of having the authority to decide who deserves what is one of the main causes of cyberbullying. When it is about the school, the kids often feel that they should do something to make themselves feel superior. For this, they tend to discredit or bully other people to make them feel inferior. Somehow, they think that it is okay to bully others because of their status. 

·Self-loathing

Studies have found that there is a strong connection between the people who have bullied previously and those who are the bullies now. The people who were once victims might return as a bully to vent out the anger they had. But somehow, the cycle continues and they end up hurting innocent kids too. 

·It Becomes an Addiction

If you have been using social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, you might know how difficult it is to ignore the messages and notifications. So, when a bully starts something on such platforms, continuous engagement makes him get addicted to it. 

Finally, what preventive steps can we take to stop cyberbullying before it starts and how do we identify when cyberbullying is happening:

https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/prevention

Prevent Cyberbullying

Be Aware of What Your Kids are Doing Online

A child may be involved in cyberbullying in several ways. A child can be bullied, bully others, or witness bullying. Parents, teachers, and other adults may not be aware of all the digital media  and apps that a child is using. The more digital platforms that a child uses, the more opportunities there are for being exposed to potential cyberbullying.

Warning Signs a Child is Being Cyberbullied or is Cyberbullying Others

Many of the warning signs that cyberbullying is occurring happen around a child’s use of their device. Some of the warning signs that a child may be involved in cyberbullying are:

• Noticeable increases or decreases in device use, including texting.
• A child exhibits emotional responses (laughter, anger, upset) to what is happening on their device.
• A child hides their screen or device when others are near, and avoids discussion about what they are doing on their device.
• Social media accounts are shut down or new ones appear.
• A child starts to avoid social situations, even those that were enjoyed in the past.
• A child becomes withdrawn or depressed, or loses interest in people and activities.