Cyberbullying has been prevalent since the beginning of the internet, social media through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other media forms. Not only does it give a negative impact on the person, but it also takes a toll on that person’s surroundings and family.
The rapid increase of gadgets, mobile phones, and computers allow even children to have easy access to the internet. Although this somehow participates in their learning, it cannot be denied that they are also very prone to cyberbullying. It is common nowadays that children and even young adults, tend to live in the digital world. Gaining friends, studying, gaming and most especially earning money are some of the activities that you can do on the internet.
Since children are very prone to be cyberbullied, it is, therefore, the parents’ or their guardians’ responsibility to shelter them from it. Parents nowadays who are busy with work and other things tend to leave their child unguided in the use of social media. To prevent them from being exposed to the cyber world, denying the children to use gadgets or the internet should completely secure them from cyberbullying. Gadgets which should not be used by younger children, as per written in their manual, are readily used by them, which in turn puts them at risk of being cyberbullied.
Yes, it is amusing to see children of very young ages already capable of using gadgets, but it allows them to be susceptible to information that is not yet suitable for their age. It also delays them from developing their motor skills. Children should always be guided when using the internet. I believe it is a requirement of Facebook, Instagram that users should be of legal age, but they still find a way to register an account. Parents should monitor the child as to what websites or applications they are into. As parents, allowing the children to play with actual toys so as they could be relieved of the urge to use mobile phones, could also be followed. Pre-occupying their children with other activities such as sports, camping, joining youth groups can deviate their child from the internet.
Open communication between parents and children is often much neglected nowadays. With no one to support or guide them, children who are already bullied may be put to an even greater problem. Depression which can also lead to suicide is a very much possible scenario. Â Cyberbullied children may or may not exhibit signs of depression or changes in attitude.
Therefore, proper monitoring of their daily tasks should also help ease the problem. Â As their seniors, we adults have a social responsibility to watch over the children and their peers. If we see victims or even bullies, it is in our conscience to interfere so as to prevent further damage.
Anyone can be a victim of cyberbullying, children who have less coping mechanisms are even more at risk. To secure them from it, the best means would that be of not allowing them to have access to social media.