6 Things Parents Should Know About Cyber Bullying

Being a kid these days can be tough. Many parents may not necessarily agree with that, but in some cases it is definitely true, especially when it comes to bullying. Today’s form of bullying known as “cyber bullying” can be harder to deal with than days past and can have a bigger and longer lasting effect. Below, are a few examples of things parents may not know about cyber bullying and a few ways to deal with it.

cyber bullying

What is Cyber Bullying?

Cyber bullying is the use of modern digital technology such as computers, smartphones, tablets, etc., to deliberately and repeatedly cause harm, harass, humiliate, or intimidate others. While in most cases, the bully is someone the child knows, there are also many instances where the bully is someone the child has never even met. Today cyber bullying has become extremely common and dangerous, many incidences have even resulted in teen suicide or attempted suicide.

Cyber Bullying Examples

Some examples of cyber bullying can include any of the following, but can include a lot more:

  • Starting cruel rumors or gossip.
  • Sending mean texts, IMs, emails, comments, etc.
  • Impersonating someone with fake profile to humiliate them.
  • Posting embarrassing photos/videos without someone’s knowledge or consent.
  • Direct threats or intimidation online or through texts.
  • Being mean or cruel to someone in online world/game.

How is Cyber Bullying Different from Traditional Bullying?

We all know bullying overall can be dangerous and make kids feel hurt and embarrassed. However when it comes to cyber bullying, the feelings of anger, humiliation and sadness are magnified as cyber bullying can spread to others a lot faster, to a lot more people and can happen no matter what time of day or night it is.

Cyber Bullies Don’t Have to Come in Contact

Another main difference between the two is that cyber bullying can be anonymous and from any distance. Now kids don’t even have to know their bully, it can be anyone, anywhere, any age. Kids can be online on Snapchat or playing an online game with others and can be randomly attacked by someone just looking for anyone to hurt.

Detection and prevention

phone monitoring software

When it comes to detection and prevention, there are several ways to go about it. Many of today’s modern parents opt for installing some kind of monitoring software onto their child’s smartphone, tablet or computer to find out what is going on. In this case, parental control software and phone spy app come in handy.

These programs are just what parents need to find out all that is happening with their child to keep them safe. Not only that, both of these programs offer extensive parental controls so parents can put a stop to certain things their child is involved in. The term bullying has added a modern twist with how cyber bullying affects today’s kids. Parents should opt for a modern solution such as Mobile Spy and mSpy to ensure their kids’ safety.

Have a Conversation

After knowing that some form of cyber bullying is taking place, parents should sit down and have a conversation with their child about it. Whether the child is the victim or the actual bully, some discussion needs to be had to get to the bottom of things. After having a conversation with their own child, parents should then look to initiate a conversation with the parents of the other child/children involved to prevent any further instances.