Cyberbullying
Navigating the digital realm offers a myriad of learning opportunities and avenues for social interaction for teenagers. However, it also comes with its own set of risks, including cyberbullying. As people working with teenagers, it's essential to be able to recognize the signs of these issues and know how to support adolescents in handling them effectively.
Teenagers may not always refer to cyberbullying as such. Instead, they might use alternative terms like "drama" to encompass various behaviors that may not align with adult perceptions or scholarly definitions. This can include mean gossip, pranks, and arguments, which may escalate into cyberbullying. However, labeling all these behaviors as "cyberbullying" can sometimes lead to overreactions from adults and responses that may exacerbate the situation for the teenagers involved. To prevent this and gain a clear understanding of the situation, it's important to encourage teenagers to use their own terminology and to be specific. This approach allows for collaborative problem-solving and helps determine if intervention is necessary.
Identifying Indicators of Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying typically involves repetitive aggressive behavior online that causes distress to the individual, often by someone known to the adolescent. Signs that a teenager may be facing cyberbullying include sudden changes in behavior, reluctance to use electronic devices, feelings of anxiety or depression, and avoidance of social situations.
Supporting Adolescents Dealing with Cyberbullying
Encourage Transparent Communication: Create a supportive environment where teenagers feel comfortable sharing their online experiences. Encourage them to communicate any concerns or incidents without fear of judgment.
Validate Their Emotions: Acknowledge and validate teenagers' feelings and concerns about cyberbullying. Offer emotional support and reassure them that they are not alone, emphasizing that you are there to work together to find a solution.
Teach Coping Strategies: Help teenagers develop coping mechanisms for dealing with cyberbullying, such as blocking the bully, taking breaks from devices, and engaging in positive activities.
Steps to Take
-
Document Evidence: Advise teenagers to keep a record of any harassing messages or content by taking screenshots. This documentation may be essential if further action is required.
-
Report and Block: Encourage teenagers to report the harassment to the platform or website administrators and to block the responsible person. Many platforms have specific reporting mechanisms for such incidents.
-
Seek Support: If the harassment persists or escalates, involve school authorities or BeSmartOnline! if necessary. Ensure teenagers understand that they can seek help and support from trusted adults.
Remaining vigilant and well-informed about the technological landscape is crucial for professionals working with teenagers. By recognizing signs, providing support, and guiding adolescents on appropriate actions, the impact of negative online experiences can be significantly reduced. By fostering open communication and creating a supportive environment, professionals empower teenagers to navigate the digital world confidently and safely.
Additionally, we recommend watching the video "Cyberbullying - Gone too far," created by Childnet International, which offers valuable insights to both people working with teenagers and the adolescents themselves into the consequences of cyberbullying and emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue effectively.
Moreover, we also recommend taking a look at the pdf resource we have created about Cyberbullying.