This is part two of a two-part series of blogs written by Alison for NetSmartz. Check out her tips on how to determine if your child is involved in a cyber bullying situation.
The simple fact is, no matter how much we love our little angels, sometimes they engage in behaviors of which we cannot approve. Like cyberbullying. Then it is up to us as trusted adults to step in and work with our children to correct their behavior. But unlike physical bullying which may leave tangible signs (scratches, torn clothes, bruises), cyberbullying may be undetectable. So, how do you know if your children are engaging in cyberbullying behaviors? We turn once again to expert guest blogger Alison Trachtman Hill.
1) They switch screens, close programs, or put away their phones when you’re nearby.
While this behavior can be a result of children wanting privacy, it may also be a sign that they want to hide their communication from you. Use this opportunity to develop codes of conduct with your children about how to maintain respectful and healthy online relationships.
2) They laugh excessively while using the computer or cell phone.
There are times when the tone of someone’s laughter is more sinister than happy. If you hear this kind of laughter from your children, ask them what’s so funny. Even if they roll their eyes and reply, “Nothing,” use this time to talk about your family’s rules for treating others–online and off.
3) They use multiple online accounts or an account that is not their own.
If your children are often on the Internet, check the computer’s browser history to see if they have consistently logged on to free e-mail sites (Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail), as this may indicate they have multiple addresses. The use of more than one address may be a result of their wanting to mask their identity. Make sure to ask your children why they have various accounts, and remind them of the commitment they have made to represent themselves truthfully and to communicate respectfully with others online. (This also applies for screen names children may use to send instant messages or chat online.)
4) They have been involved in prior bullying situations on- or offline.
The roles of “bully” and “target” are fluid and change with each hostile event. Someone who is bullied in the morning may become the aggressor in the afternoon as she retaliates for having been mistreated herself. Speak with your children about cruelty to others and remind them that nobody ever deserves to be treated poorly or attacked.
To view the original posting, please visit NetSmartz’s blog archive.