How to Handle Cyberbullying

With the increasing prevalence of remote work and online interactions, cybersecurity has become a crucial concern. Cyberbullying has emerged as a significant issue that affects many young children and teens, but that doesn't mean that adults cannot be victims as well. Unlike traditional bullying, which was limited to physical locations like schools, cyberbullying follows victims into their homes via the internet, smartphones, and social media, and often goes hand-in-hand with cyberstalking.

Understanding Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can manifest in various forms and across multiple platforms:

• Forms of Cyberbullying: Includes name-calling, rumor spreading, unsolicited explicit messages, physical threats, and doxxing (publishing personal information publicly).
• Platforms: Occurs via email, text messages, social media, online forums, message boards, communication apps, and online video games.
• Covert Bullying: Sometimes, bullying can be subtle, such as editing a mean song over a video or image of a classmate.

Recognizing the Signs of Cyberbullying

Children and teens might not always share their experiences of being cyberbullied. However, certain warning signs can indicate they are victims:

• Behavioral Changes: Less frequent use of devices or showing strong emotional responses when using them.
• Device Use Patterns: Obsessive use of social media or deleting accounts entirely.
• Social Withdrawal: Avoidance of social situations and displaying signs of depression.
• Communication: Encourage open dialogue about their online experiences. If they don't respond to "bullying," explain that harmful teasing is also a form of bullying.

Responding to Cyberbullying

If you discover your child is being cyberbullied, take the following steps:

• Documentation: Record every detail, including screenshots of texts or messages.
• Reporting:
  • Law Enforcement: In cases of extreme cyberbullying (threats of violence, stalking, explicit images), contact the police.
  • Online Service Providers: Report the bullying to the service provider to potentially ban the bully.
  • Schools: Inform the school as state laws might require them to take action.
• Blocking: Block the bully to prevent further messages.
• Device Management: Consider giving your child two devices – a phone for calls and texts, and a separate smart device for internet use under your supervision.

Preventing Cyberbullying

Prevention is key to ensuring your child’s safety online. Here are some best practices:

• Cyber Hygiene:
  • Personal Information: Teach your child not to share personal information or locations on social media.
  • Explicit Photos: Explain the dangers of sharing explicit photos.
  • Online Permanence: Remind them that shared content remains online forever.
  • Friend Requests: Advise them to accept friend requests only from people they know.
• Parental Controls:
  • App Usage: Set rules for which apps your child can use and for how long.
  • Monitoring: Use apps to monitor your child’s online activity.
• Privacy Settings:
  • Social Media: Lock down profiles so only friends and family can see posts.
  • Video Games: Adjust privacy settings to control who can interact with your child.

Additional Support

By following these best practices, both parents and children can create a secure online environment, mitigating the risks associated with cyberbullying and ensuring peace of mind.If you need assistance in adjusting privacy settings or securing your child's online presence, or have any other questions please contact a member of the BlackCloak concierge team for support.