It’s not new to us that a lot of kids are being bullied using the internet. Even if the internet helps us with so many things, it can be very dangerous too. It can be a new platform to ruin one’s reputation, even if the rumors aren’t real one bit.
Cyber bullying can cause a lifelong trauma to your kids. The effect wouldn’t be seen in a snap. But believe me, it will be very drastic. And in some cases, victims of cyber bullying resort to, you guess it, death.
Is your kid a victim of this harsh activity? If you are unsure, you have to read this post and understand it by heart.
Here are some of the most noticeable signs if your child is suffering from such.
a. Refrains from using laptops or computers. – If your child was once an addict of facebook or twitter and suddenly stops, there must be something wrong. You have to take this seriously. The most crucial part of cyber bullying is the start. If you tolerate this, it would be hard for everybody. And like most unsolved cases, the victims kill themselves.
b. Doesn’t want to leave the house. – This is a strong manifestation that he’s scared, ashamed, or embarrassed. If he’s always making excuse of not going to school, you need to probe. They believe that your home is the safest place because he’s far from ‘physical’ bullying.
c. Avoids conversation about computers or anything related to it. – Most kids today are into computers, mobile phones and other gadgets. They can start and end the day talking about it. Not talking about it is a sign. But avoiding the topic and getting furious about it takes another level up.
What you have to do.
a. Make sure that you monitor his computer activities. – This goes the same way for your kid’s mobile phones. I know you are invading their privacy. But if you won’t do it, all of you will have regrets. If you can buy a software that will monitor your kid’s internet and mobile phone activities, then use that. You need to know what triggers your child’s unusual behavior. You have to find the root of the problem before doing any corresponding action.
b. Get help from the experts. – There’s nothing wrong if you will schedule an appointment with a psychologist. The problem with most people is that they don’t accept that there’s something wrong. The misconception is that when you go to a psychologist or psychiatrist, you are automatically crazy. In reality, you are just seeking help from those who are capable of dealing with your challenges. If your kid isn’t open to this idea, don’t take him to the doctor’s clinic. There are doctors who allow sessions outside of the clinic. You might want to try those.
c. Plan out of town trips. – You should divert your kid’s attention to other things. If he is always at home, he’ll be near to computer and the internet. That’s not healthy. Of course, he won’t allow a picnic within the community. Plan something that is miles away from home. Something that will make him forget all his problems.
Take note that cyber bullying is a serious issue. It’s not just a petty fight which you can resolve easily. The whole family should be involved in fixing the situation. Make the victim feel that he’s worth it. Teach him how to fight his depression.
Kim Bookman writes for a credible Cable Modem Comparison site. It’s a site that comprehensively compares different kinds of modems such as the Motorola Cable Modems and Cisco modems.
