What is cyberbullying, why do people do it, and how do kids combat it? That’s a complicated set of questions, so Parentology created the ultimate infographic to cyberbullying for 2020. The idea was to give parents the essential details in a handy place. Above the graphic are some links for more detailed information. Check it out.
But First, What Is Cyberbullying?
Technically, it’s defined as the use of electronic communication to harass or threaten someone. It can be done via text messages, SMS, social media posts, forums, etc.. Many states have crafted laws to combat it, so there are ways to fight back. For more information, read our article “What Is Cyberstalking / Cyberbullying & What Does the Law Say About It?“
We also have a list of the “7 Most Common Forms of Cyberbullying” that every parent should know about.
Why Does a Kid Become a Bully?
Good question. Whether it’s in the halls at school or behind a computer, bullies can now attack through multiple means. Poor self-esteem is an obvious reason, but there are also factors like isolation, negative thinking, and poor parental modeling that play a role. Read “5 Reasons a Child Becomes a Bully” for more info.
What if My Child Is the Cyberbully?
Don’t be shocked. It can happen — even with kids who don’t necessarily consider themselves bullies. The good news is that there are steps you can take to handle the situation before anything serious happens. The Cyberbully Infographic 2020 posted above has some great advice, but there’s another dedicated graphic in our article “What Should I Do if My Child Is a Cyberbully?“
How to Help Your Child
Whether your child is experiencing cyberbullying or the more traditional form, they will need support getting through it. Again, the 2020 Cyberbully Infographic has a quick list of things you can do. However, Michael Anthony-Nalepa, licensed psychotherapist and creator of The Psychology of Bullying course at Antioch University, has offered some great tips for Parentology readers. Check out his words in “7 Tips to Help Your Child Deal with Bullying.”
