Exclusive Tips To Stop Cyberbullying [For Teens, Parents & Schools]

May 16, 2023

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Want tips to stop cyberbullying? Check out our tips exclusive for teens and parents.

In today’s digital age, the prevalence of cyberbullying has become a concerning issue. With the widespread use of technology and social media platforms, individuals, particularly young people, can fall victim to online harassment, intimidation, and abuse.

The impact of cyberbullying can be severe, causing emotional distress, psychological harm, and even tragic consequences.

However, there are effective measures that can be taken to combat cyberbullying and create a safer online environment for everyone. By raising awareness, promoting empathy, and empowering individuals, we can work together to build a digital world where kindness, respect, and compassion prevail.

In this article, we will explore a range of valuable tips and strategies to help individuals, parents, educators, and communities stop cyberbullying in its tracks.

Before we proceed, let us define cyberbullying.

Table of Contents

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying refers to the act of using digital communication tools, such as social media, online platforms, or messaging apps, to intentionally harass, intimidate, or harm others. It involves repeated and hostile behavior that targets individuals, often with the intention of causing emotional distress or damage to their reputation.

Cyberbullying also known as online bullying, is a form of bullying that occurs electronically via the Internet. It occurs on digital devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and most especially computers.

According to Adaware, 1 out of 4 US teens has been cyberbullied. Examples of cyberbullying include repeated insults, defamation, cyberstalking (sending threatening messages), identity theft, sexting, posting an altered image of the victim, and more.

In addition, Cyberbullies can harass people through the following common sources:

Email (Electronic email)
Text Message i.e. Short Message Service (SMS)
Instant Message (via instant messaging apps such as Whatsapp)
Social Media (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
And more

On the other hand, cyberbullying have devastating effects on kids and teens alike depending on the severity. There have been instances where cyberbully victims were subject to mental breakdown, self-harm, and even suicide.

Note: Cyberbullying should not be confused with online arguments. However, when you are constantly harassed online then you may address the offender as a cyberbully.

What To Do When Cyberbullying Happens?

One of the ways cyberbullies operate is to play with and unsettle your mind. They call your self-worth into question and also make you do so. It is important to remind yourself when cyberbullying starts that you are not responsible for it, you don’t deserve it and none of what is happening is your fault.

You must never accept that the irresponsibility of these bullies is your fault. Accepting this affects your response to the bullying.

If you ever find yourself a victim of cyberbullying, you should speak out. Do not endure and suffer in silence as this might be dangerous to your overall mental health.

When faced with cyberbullying, it is important to respond promptly and effectively to protect yourself or someone else from further harm. Here are some essential steps to take:

Stay calm and don’t retaliate: It’s natural to feel angry or upset when confronted with cyberbullying, but responding with aggression or retaliation can escalate the situation. Instead, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Avoid engaging with the bully or responding to their messages, as it may fuel their behavior.
Document and save evidence: Preserve any evidence of cyberbullying by taking screenshots, saving messages, or recording any instances of harassment. These records will be valuable if you decide to report the cyberbullying to authorities or online platforms. Ensure that you capture relevant details like dates, times, and usernames involved.
Reach out for support: Don’t face cyberbullying alone. Talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or teacher, about what is happening. They can provide emotional support and guidance on the next steps to take. Additionally, consider reporting the cyberbullying to the appropriate authorities, such as your school administration or local law enforcement, if the situation warrants it.
Block and report the bully: Most social media platforms and online services have mechanisms in place to report and block users engaging in cyberbullying. Use these features to prevent further contact with the bully and to notify the platform administrators about the abusive behavior. By reporting the incident, you contribute to creating a safer online environment for yourself and others.
Practice digital self-care: Cyberbullying can take an emotional toll, so prioritize your well-being. Instead of brooding over a bully, divert your attention to something else. Try and do what you enjoy for a start. Hang out with friends and families, and take time off the internet as a whole. Take breaks from social media if needed, focus on activities that bring you joy, and surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family. Consider seeking professional help from a counselor or therapist who can assist you in processing your emotions and developing coping strategies.

Remember, addressing cyberbullying requires a collective effort. Encourage open conversations about online safety and responsible digital behavior within your community, school, or workplace.

Reach out to someone, it may be your parents, teachers, counselors, or even the authority to report and also talk to someone.

Tips For Teens To Stop An Online Bully

If you (or your kid) have been harassed online by cyberbullies, follow through with these tips to stop cyberbullying.

1. Ignore the aggressor

Cyberbullies usually expect a response from you in order to fuel a chain reaction of insults. You can try as much as possible to ignore the cyberbully. If possible, you can make use of humor to respond to their cruel words.

2. Block the bully

Several social media apps enable you to block a person. If you get harassed from any social media channel, text messages, or even email; ensure you block the person. Alternatively, you can report the abuse to the service or support center. For instance, Facebook comes with blocking capability as well as report abuse for such cases. Nevertheless, if the cyber-harassment escalates from cyberspace to your physical sphere, then you may report to the authorities.

3. Protect your online identity

Prioritize your online identity by applying standard practices for online privacy. Don’t give out your passwords. Modify your online privacy settings and set it to private. Add only friends you know to your friends’ list. Besides, there is no harm in unfriending a cyberbully from your social media.

In addition, don’t share your personal information on social media. Keep your phone number and email address private from the prying eyes. This should halt any form of online bullying you may experience.

4. Save the evidence

In this digital age, online bullying evidence can be acquired by screen capture, saving or even showing someone. If you have been bullied online, you can always stop it by showing the evidence to other people most especially your parents. This will enable them to take the appropriate means to prevent the problem.

5. Use the magic word – STOP

Among our tips to stop cyberbullying is to speak out. Stop is a magic word that means start telling other people. Sometimes simply telling the cyberbully to stop works but there are cases where they are unrepentant. Therefore, you need to tell someone that you trust such as your parent, friend, teacher, or adult. Remember, a problem shared is a problem solved.

6. Report the bullying

If you encounter cyberbullying, report the incident to the appropriate platform or social media site. Most platforms have reporting mechanisms in place to address such issues. By reporting, you contribute to the enforcement of community guidelines and help protect others from the same bully.

7. Seek support from trusted adults

Talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, guardian, teacher, or school counselor, about the cyberbullying. They can provide guidance, support, and intervene on your behalf if necessary. Remember, you don’t have to face it alone, and there are people who care and want to help.

8. Keep evidence of the cyberbullying

Save any evidence of the cyberbullying, such as screenshots, messages, or images. This documentation can be useful when reporting the incident or seeking further action. It provides concrete proof of the bullying and strengthens your case.

9. Strengthen your online privacy settings

Review and adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can see your posts and personal information. Limiting access to your profile and content can help minimize the risk of being targeted by cyberbullies.

10. Practice digital resilience

Build your resilience and emotional strength to withstand cyberbullying. Surround yourself with positive influences and supportive friends. Engage in activities that boost your confidence and self-esteem, both online and offline.

11. Educate yourself about online safety

Learn about online safety practices, including how to identify and respond to cyberbullying. Understand the importance of not sharing personal information online and how to protect yourself from potential harm.

12. Be mindful of your online behavior

Treat others online with respect and kindness. Avoid engaging in cyberbullying behaviors yourself, as it perpetuates the cycle of harm. Foster a positive digital environment by setting a good example and promoting empathy and inclusivity.

Remember, if the cyberbullying persists or escalates, don’t hesitate to involve authorities, such as the police or school administration, as appropriate. Cyberbullying is a serious issue, and everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in the online world.

What Can Parents Do To Stop Cyberbully?

If your kids or teens have experienced any form of online bullying, apply these tips to stop it.

1. Be supportive

Don’t start by blaming your kids for being responsible for the bullying. Instead, try to understand the bullying history and work together with your children to find a germane solution to the problem. Remember, encouraging your children will help them to grow through this militating phase.

2. Get acquainted with various social network websites

Familiarize yourself with sites such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, MySpace, as well as online forums where your kids were bullied. If necessary, check the harassment messages received by your kids.

3. Install Apps to prevent cyberbully

There are some specialized apps parents can use in preventing cyberbully. Some of the recommended apps include NetNanny, Cyber Patrol, My Mobile Watchdog, and ReThink. With the anti-cyberbully programs, you can monitor your kids’ online activity and prevent online bullying even before it happens.

4. Block the cyberbully

As the parent, you can prevent the cyberbully threats by using blocking features available on social networking sites (SNS) to block the bully.

In addition, you can contact the administrators of such services and report the bully using the evidence available on your children’s digital devices. Also, you may have to present pictures (or video) evidence to the administrator for the appropriate action against the aggressor.

5. Report to the authority

Virtual communication should remain ‘virtual’. However, if the bullying occurs both online and offline maybe at school or the vicinity, then you should report to the local authorities depending on the location where the harassment emanates. To keep your child safe, you may have to report to the police station for a legal restraining order against the bully.

6. Educate your children about online safety

Teach your kids about responsible internet use, the importance of privacy settings, and the potential risks of interacting with strangers online. Encourage them to think before sharing personal information and to be cautious about accepting friend requests or engaging with unknown individuals.

7. Foster open communication

Create a safe and supportive environment where your children feel comfortable talking about their online experiences, including any instances of cyberbullying. Listen actively and without judgment, showing empathy and understanding. Assure them that you’re there to help and support them.

8. Monitor your child’s online activities

Keep a close eye on your child’s online interactions and regularly review their social media accounts. Stay informed about the platforms they use, the friends they connect with, and the content they post. Consider using parental control software or monitoring apps to help keep track of their online presence.

9. Encourage responsible behavior

Teach your children to treat others with kindness and respect, both online and offline. Emphasize the importance of empathy, understanding, and digital citizenship. Encourage them to stand up against cyberbullying by reporting it, supporting friends who are targeted, and not participating in or sharing hurtful content.

10. Work with the school and community

If your child is being cyberbullied by someone from their school or community, reach out to the appropriate authorities, such as the school administration or local law enforcement. Provide them with the evidence you have collected and work together to address the situation. Collaboration with schools and community organizations can help create a safer environment for your child.

11. Seek professional help if needed

If your child is experiencing significant emotional distress or their mental well-being is affected by cyberbullying, consider seeking guidance from a therapist or counselor who specializes in working with children and adolescents. They can provide additional support and strategies to help your child cope with the situation.

Remember, your involvement and support as a parent are crucial in addressing cyberbullying effectively. By staying vigilant, maintaining open communication, and taking appropriate action, you can help protect your child from the harmful effects of cyberbullying.

How Schools Can Stop Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying takes place mostly when students are home, but the fallout usually happens in school.

This makes students dread coming to school and might also affect the performance of the student as a result of loss of concentration.

1. Strict Anti-Cyberbullying Rules

The school should create and enforce laws against cyberbullying. Students should also be told explicitly the legal implications of cyberbullying.

2. Encourage Reporting

Let your students know that it is okay to report any form of cyberbullying they experience.

Students that witnessed cyberbullying should also be encouraged to come forward and report it. This is especially important because it helps to know what is happening in a situation that the victim is ashamed or afraid to report.

3. Raise Awareness About Cyberbullying

Schools should endeavor to teach students how to use the internet responsibly. They should be taught the importance of keeping their personal information away from the internet.

Students spend most of their time online, which makes sensitization about internet usage very important.

4. Implement comprehensive anti-cyberbullying policies

Develop clear and specific policies that address cyberbullying and its consequences. Ensure that these policies are communicated to students, parents, and staff members, emphasizing the school’s zero-tolerance stance towards cyberbullying. Outline the disciplinary actions that will be taken in response to incidents of cyberbullying.

5. Provide education and awareness programs

Incorporate cyberbullying prevention and digital citizenship education into the school curriculum. Offer age-appropriate lessons that teach students about responsible internet use, online etiquette, the impact of cyberbullying, and strategies for dealing with it.

Raise awareness about the emotional and psychological consequences of cyberbullying, emphasizing empathy and respect for others.

6. Create a safe reporting system

Establish a confidential reporting system that allows students to report incidents of cyberbullying safely.

Ensure that students know how to access and use this reporting system and provide multiple reporting options, such as anonymous reporting boxes or online reporting forms. Regularly remind students that reporting cyberbullying is essential in maintaining a safe and supportive school environment.

7. Conduct regular awareness campaigns and assemblies

Organize school-wide events, assemblies, or workshops focused on cyberbullying prevention.

Invite experts or guest speakers to share their knowledge and experiences. These events can educate students, parents, and staff about the dangers of cyberbullying, promote open discussions, and reinforce positive online behavior.

8. Foster a supportive school culture

Promote a positive and inclusive school culture where all students feel respected and valued.

Encourage peer support and empathy by implementing peer mentoring programs or creating student-led initiatives that address cyberbullying and promote digital citizenship. Develop strategies to discourage bystander behavior and empower students to intervene when they witness cyberbullying.

9. Collaborate with parents and guardians

Engage parents and guardians in the prevention and intervention efforts against cyberbullying. Conduct informational sessions or workshops for parents to educate them about cyberbullying, its signs, and strategies to support their children.

Encourage parents to monitor their child’s online activities and maintain open lines of communication with the school.

The Bottom Line

According to Statista, 14% of US internet users recounted their cyberbullying experience in 2016. Cyberbullying is a big issue experienced across the globe by internet-active pre-teens and teens as well as adults.

Bullies are mean, rude, aggressive, and unrelenting individuals but they are human beings. Lastly, by applying any of these tips, you (or your kids) should be able to stop cyberbullying.

Have you encountered any cyberbully before? share your experience by commenting below. Also, which of our tips to stop cyberbullying did you apply?

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