[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
As the digital world hurtles forward at a seemingly unstoppable pace, our children are being given access to the internet, along with access to social media, earlier than ever before. While the internet can be a bottomless source of entertainment, information, and learning for your child, it also has many cons, including the ever-increasing occurrence of online abuse: cyberbullying.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As a parent, being alert to your child\u2019s behavior both on and offline can help prevent situations of internet abuse. Watching for some of these warning signs may help you to <\/span>spot<\/b> signs of cyberbullying<\/b> in your child<\/b> and give them the help they need.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 1. They don\u2019t want to go to school<\/strong><\/p>\n In most instances of cyberbullying, the bullies know the victim personally – which means there\u2019s a high chance the bullies could be students at your child\u2019s school. By <\/span>not going to school, or pretending to be sick<\/b>, your child may be attempting to avoid seeing their bullies face-to-face. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 2. A lack of interest in technology<\/strong><\/p>\n Pay attention to how your kid uses technology: smartphones, computers, online gaming. If using technology was something your child once enjoyed, and they now display a lack of interest in their devices, stop using them completely, or seem anxious when they receive notifications<\/b>, there may be a reason behind the sudden change in behavior. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 3. They feel angry, upset, or frustrated after time spent online<\/strong><\/p>\n Does your child ever slam their laptop shut, or throw their phone down? Perhaps they <\/span>shout or get verbally aggressive<\/b> while using their devices? While angry or upset outbursts can occur for various reasons (losing a game, being upset at something a friend said), they could be a reaction to online abuse. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 4. Changes in sleep habits<\/strong><\/p>\n Sleep and emotions are highly connected, and if your child is feeling worried, upset, or even depressed as a result of cyberbullying, this may manifest through changes in their <\/span>sleep habits<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>They may find it difficult to get to sleep and stay asleep<\/b>, or they may be increasingly sleepy during the day. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 5. Changes in eating habits<\/strong><\/p>\n As with sleep, your child\u2019s feelings and reactions to cyberbullying may affect their appetite. They could also experience <\/span>unexplained weight loss or weight gain<\/b>, or begin to<\/span> report physical problems <\/b>such as stomach aches and headaches more frequently. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 6. They want to spend more time with you than with peers<\/strong><\/p>\n Don\u2019t get us wrong – it\u2019s great if your child expresses a wish to spend time with you as a parent, but your child <\/strong><\/span>regularly distancing themselves from their friends or people their own age<\/b> can be a sign of bullying or cyberbullying. They may also unexpectedly begin to spend time with new friendship groups. Equally, they may become withdrawn, choosing not to spend time with peers, family, or friends. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 7. They are increasingly secretive<\/strong><\/p>\n Your child may be embarrassed or afraid to speak out, especially to a parent, and their reaction to this feeling may be to keep secrets or even lie about their behavior. They could also <\/span>close tabs or screens when you enter the room<\/b>, or hide their cell phone when you\u2019re around. If it seems that your child is withholding information from you, especially surrounding online activity, this can be a red flag.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/11\/17095101\/Rebranding_Insideimage_Desktop.jpg” alt=”How to spot signs of cyberbullying” title_text=”Rebranding_Insideimage_Desktop” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 8. They suffer from low self-esteem<\/strong><\/p>\n If your child often makes <\/span>comments which are self-critical<\/b>, this can be an indication their self-esteem is being affected by online or offline abuse. Comments such as \u201cIt\u2019s my fault,\u201d \u201cI can never do anything right,\u201d \u201cNobody likes me,\u201d \u201cI\u2019m fat,\u201d or \u201cI look ugly,\u201d can be indications of low self-esteem. They may also become overly concerned about other people\u2019s opinions, or react sensitively to seemingly harmless comments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Of course, every child is different, and if your child is being cyberbullied, they may react in all of these ways, or none. You are the best judge of your child\u2019s day-to-day behavior, so if you feel something is wrong, keep observing your child\u2019s behavior for <\/span>signs of cyberbullying<\/span>, and encourage them to open up to you. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While your child may not want to open up to you as a parent, it\u2019s important that you let them know you\u2019re emotionally available for them, and you\u2019ll support them come what may.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While it might feel tempting to cut off your kid\u2019s access to technology, this could feel like a punishment when they\u2019ve done nothing wrong, making them feel even worse.<\/span><\/p>\n Instead of banning your child from online activity, encourage them to spend more time with you or their friends offline, so they <\/span>value screen-free moments and have the opportunity to disconnect from the world of social media<\/b>. Organize family time together, or engage them in activities that you know they enjoy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some other ways you can help your child navigate technology include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n By being involved in your child\u2019s technology journey and keeping an eye on changes in their behavior, you\u2019ll be able to spot <\/strong><\/span>signs of cyberbullying<\/strong> in your child and recognize when they need help<\/strong>. It\u2019s important to help your child understand that they deserve to have a positive and productive experience on the internet, where they feel welcomed, and are treated fairly: just as they would be in real life.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As the digital world hurtles forward at a seemingly unstoppable pace, our children are being given access to the internet, along with access to social media, earlier than ever before. While the internet can be a bottomless source of entertainment, information, and learning for your child, it also has many cons, including the ever-increasing occurrence […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":17807,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[522,299],"class_list":["post-17663","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-parenting-tips","tag-bullying","tag-mental-health-wellbeing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nSigns that your child is being cyberbullied <\/strong><\/h2>\n
The next steps: How to help your child if you think they\u2019re being cyberbullied<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Cyberbullying and your child\u2019s access to technology<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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