Gone are the days of bullies using physical means to ‘run their turf’.
In the modern age, bullying has taken on a digital dimension, where victims can be attacked on social media, through their phones and online.
This means the torment does not stick to the school yard.
A factor contributing to the intensity of cyber-bullying is the anonymity of online interaction, where user names and social media profiles can be faked or obscured.
Linking a child to cyber-bullying is much harder as a result.
Other aspects of cyber-bullying include easy access to humiliating information, the always-on characteristic of networking, and the ‘disconnection’ between bullies and their victims.
Lack of direct contact means bullies are less likely to care about their actions.
As with physical bullying, the prevailing problem is victims are unlikely to speak out about their torment, instead being dragged into depression and hopelessness.
Parents should look for any of these signs:
- The child becomes upset or angry during or after cellphone or Internet usage
- The child withdraws from friends or family
- The child stops participating or is unwilling to participate in activities they once enjoyed
- The child’s performance in the classroom declines with no explanation
- The child shows signs of sadness, upset or depression
- The child comes up with reasons to avoid school, such as being ill
If you notice any of these signs, consider broaching the topic in a supportive way and showing you have the child’s best interests at heart.
Talking about bullying is the first step to eradicating the scourge.
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