Cyberbullying

According to the National Crime Prevention Council, Cyberbullying is similar to other types of bullying, except it takes place online and through text messages sent to cell phones. Recent stories have appeared in the news of young children taking their lives due to cyberbullying.

For parents, it is impossible to know a child’s everyone move.  However, there are signs a child may exhibit if they are in fact a victim of cyberbullying.  Some of those signs include:

Appearing nervous or jumpy  when using their devices

Makes passing statements about suicide or the meaningless of  life

Avoids discussion about what they are doing online

Desires to spend much more time with peers rather than with parents

Becomes unusually secretive, especially when it comes to online activity

–Cyberbullying Research Center

Establishing expectations for cyber behavior can be helpful. Be diligent in reporting in suspicious  activity. These are just a few signs, please visit the Cyberbullying Research Center here to get access to some valuable information.

Adults can be victims of cyberbullying as well.   Sometimes  cyberbullying is used by an abuser in attempt  to prevent the victim from leaving. Limiting access to devices,  frequent password changes, and limited sharing of intimate photos and information can help prevent cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying has real consequence