Why You Should Protect Your Child Against Cyberbullying

In the age of social media, Cyberbullying has become a daily norm. Some people, once behind a keyboard/mobile phone feel invisible and all-powerful to “attack and maim” their “victims” by use of online platforms.

A day does not pass without someone being bullied in Kenya. Such social media tools as Twitter have become major avenues for Cyberbullies to carry out their agendas. But how does this affect the children? Do we ever think of them?

According to the Communications Authority, bullying is a vice where children or teenagers harass, threaten, insult, tease and blackmail other children. This mostly happens in school or within the home environment.

Cyberbullying is the same behavior extended to online platforms such as mobile phones, websites, blogs, and chat rooms. Social media tools play a major role in enabling Cyberbullying.

Cyberbullies can also directly attack their victim by sending them insulting, threatening, and blackmailing messages, impersonating them online, posting distasteful information on blogs, websites, and chatrooms about the victim.

According to CA, Cyberbullying can be hard to control as it can be carried out anonymously. It also spreads wider faster, has a greater degree of publicity, the content is available 24 hours a day, and can invade the victim’s privacy even in ‘safe’ places like their homes.

Not surprisingly, cyberbullying is a significant stressor in a young person’s life. In fact, research shows that 32 percent of kids who are targets of cyberbullying report experiencing at least one symptom of stress.

Because cyberbullying occurs in cyberspace, online bullying feels permanent. Kids know that once something is out there, it will always be out there. They can feel exposed, embarrassed, and overwhelmed.

Cyberbullying sometimes causes kids to be excluded and ostracized at school. Consequently, they often feel alone and isolated. This experience can be particularly painful because friends are crucial at this age.

Many victims of cyberbullying will get angry about what is happening to them. In fact, research indicates that anger is the most common response to cyberbullying.

Victims of cyberbullying often find it difficult to feel safe. They may feel vulnerable and powerless. Typically, these feelings surface because online bullying can invade their home through a computer or cell phone at any time of day. They no longer have a place where they can escape.

As a parent or guardian, you have an obligation to protect your child against Cyberbullying. It is good to talk to your child. Ask them about their online presence and find out if anyone has threatened them. Look at the symptoms of withdrawal and stress.

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