Following on from our special report on the very serious impact of cyber-bullying, we bring you expert advice on the appropriate course of action in dealing with cyber bullies, and what NOT to do as a parent…
Expert Tips On How To Deal With Cyber Bulling…
“When dealing with bullying in any form it is important to talk to someone about the situation and how you are feeling,” says Clinical and Forensic Psychologist Kerry Watson-Sauchella. Support can be sought from friends, family, and mental health professionals such as counsellors and psychologists.”
“It is important to report any form of bullying to the relevant authorities, whether it be your teachers, employer, and/or the Police. It is actually a criminal offence to threaten, harass, or torment a person and legal action can be taken by the police.”
“Some key strategies to deal with cyber-bullying include blocking people from your social networking/social media sites, changing your instant messaging and email addresses, and rejecting calls and messages,” says Kerry.
What parent’s shouldn’t do…
-Don’t brush cyber bullying aside and minimise the issue. It’s important that parent’s understand just how hurtful cyber bullying really is.
-Don’t add fuel to the fire by getting online and adding your own comments, or sending threats such as ‘keep away from my child.’
-Don’t take matters into your own hands by contacting the parents of the other child, as most likely, they will go into parent-protection mode. Instead, inform the school immediately and let them deal with it.
RESCU’s view
“My personal view is that we need to encourage a culture of diversity, kindness and celebration of strength of character. Teaching kids confidence and social skills beyond being online will go a long way to help communication skills for the bullies and the bullied. The digital age provides anonymity where as getting off the internet and out in the real world is better for everyone and forces people to interact in a more positive and humane way.” Bahar Etminan, Founder and Editor, RESCU
Read part 1 of our special report on How To Deal With Cyber Bullying
Is your child cyber safe? How To Protect Children and Teens Online
For further information on bullying, including cyber safety, visit the National Centre Against Bullying at www.ncab.org.au
