Keep Your Child Safe Online

As kids spend more time online, it’s important for parents to understand the risks and take steps to keep their children safe.

One major concern is cyberbullying, which can deeply affect a child’s mental and emotional well-being.

What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is bullying that happens through electronic devices such as cell phones, computers, and tablets.

It also includes online platforms like social media, text messaging, emails, and websites.

Examples of cyberbullying include:

• Mean or hurtful text messages and emails.
• Posting embarrassing photos or videos online.
• Spreading rumors through social media or group chats.
• Creating fake profiles to harm someone’s reputation.

Why Cyberbullying is Harmful
Cyberbullying is particularly harmful because it:

• Follows kids everywhere:
  • Unlike in-person bullying, cyberbullying can happen 24/7, even when kids are at home.
• Reaches a wide audience:
  • Harmful posts and messages can spread quickly and are hard to delete.
• Can be anonymous:
  • Bullies may hide their identities, making it hard to stop the behavior.

Effects of Cyberbullying
Children who are cyberbullied may experience:

• Anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem.
• Poor grades or avoiding school altogether.
• Health problems, including trouble sleeping and headaches.
• Risky behaviors like using alcohol or drugs.
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

How Parents Can Help

1. Talk to Your Kids About Online Safety:
   • Discuss what cyberbullying is and why it’s harmful.
   • Encourage them to come to you if they experience or witness cyberbullying.
   • Teach them to think carefully before posting or sharing anything online.
2. Set Boundaries for Online Use:
   • Limit screen time and set rules about when and where devices can be used.
   • Monitor their social media accounts and online activity to ensure safety.
   • Use parental controls to block inappropriate content and restrict certain websites.
3. Teach Empathy and Kindness:
   • Remind your child to treat others online as they would in person.
   • Encourage them to support peers who might be victims of bullying.
4. Encourage Positive Online Behavior:
   • Help them understand the importance of keeping their personal information private.
   • Teach them to ignore or block bullies and to never respond to mean messages.
5. Save Evidence of Cyberbullying:
   • If your child is targeted, save screenshots of harmful messages or posts.
   • Report the behavior to the platform where it occurred and notify school officials if necessary.
6. Build Resilience:
   • Support your child in building confidence and strong self-esteem.
   • Encourage activities and friendships outside the online world to give them a healthy balance.

What to Watch For
Be on the lookout for signs that your child might be experiencing cyberbullying, such as:

• Avoiding their devices or appearing upset after being online.
• Sudden changes in mood or behavior.
• Reluctance to go to school or participate in activities they once enjoyed.

Taking Action Against Cyberbullying
Stopping cyberbullying starts with awareness and communication.

By staying involved and fostering an open dialogue, you can help your child navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

Together, we can create a supportive environment where kids feel empowered and protected online.

To learn more: https://www.ocso.com/en-us/kids-safety