How Does Cyberbullying Start? Everything Parents Should Know
If we look at the cyberbullying history, 8% of twelve to nineteen-year-old kids have been a target of cyberbullying.
How does cyberbullying start? This is a question on many parents' minds as they navigate their teen's online safety. As a parent, you need to understand the root causes of cyberbullying so that you can identify your child's problems early and take action.
How Does Cyberbullying Start?
Cyberbullying among teens often starts due to several combined factors:
The widespread use of smartphones and social media platforms among teenagers can provide a breeding ground for cyberbullying.
The anonymity provided by the Internet may encourage individuals to engage in cyberbullying because they believe it reduces the likelihood of facing consequences.
In an attempt to fit in or gain popularity, some teenagers might succumb to peer pressure and participate in cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying can also start when an individual creates a fake profile to target others without revealing their true identity.
A lack of awareness about the impact of their words and actions online can also lead to cyberbullying.
Where Does Teen Cyberbullying Occur?
Teen cyberbullying commonly occurs on various digital platforms that teenagers frequently use. These platforms can include:
Social Media Platforms
It's a common thought that emails are used for professional purposes only but it's quite popular among kids as well. According to research, 64% of teenagers are using email to connect with their friends, which also makes it a platform for cyberbullying. The bullies can send revenge porn and inappropriate pictures to a lot of people with one click.
Text Messages
Every kid is glued to their phones all the time, and they are seen texting a lot. This is why text message bullying is particularly common among cyberbullying. Since they can send and receive messages, they can also receive harassing and threatening messages from their bullies.
Social Media
This might be the biggest platform that allows cyberbullying. That's because one report shows that 71% of teenagers use multiple social media platforms. This gives the bullies a platform to send direct messages, create intimidating chat groups, and post someone's personal pictures. In addition, social media platforms have privacy features, which make it challenging for someone to know the real person behind those ill-intended messages and pictures.
Online Forums and Communities
Websites or platforms permitting user-generated content and comments, such as Reddit, YouTube, or various blogging platforms, can also be locations where cyberbullying occurs.
Causes of Cyberbullying in Adolescents
It is crucial to understand the main reasons behind cyberbullying, especially for teenagers. The triggers for cyberbullying in this age group can be multifaceted and often include;
Lack of Empathy
In some cases, the inability of teens to empathize with the pain or embarrassment of others can result in cyberbullying. A young person with low empathy might not understand or relate to the emotional harm their actions can cause.
Desire for Power and Control
Adolescence can come with a desire for autonomy and control. Some adolescents might resort to cyberbullying as a way to exert power and dominance over their peers. This gives them a false sense of importance, regardless of the harm it causes others.
Revenge
Cyberbullying can also be a form of retaliation. Adolescents might turn to cyberbullying as a way to get back at someone who they believe has wronged them. However, this form of 'getting even' can have a significant negative impact on the victim.
Peer Pressure
Youngsters can also resort to cyberbullying due to peer pressure. They might be coerced into participating in cyberbullying behavior by their friends, even when they are aware it's wrong, simply to feel accepted and fit in.
Anonymity and No Fear of Punishment
Many teenagers feel that the Internet provides a level of anonymity that makes them more prone to engage in cyberbullying. They believe they won't face any punishment for their actions, which gives them the courage to do wrong without fear.
Targets of Cyberbullying among Teenagers
When dealing with this issue, parents should be aware of the common targets of teen cyberbullying. Here are some key demographic factors that often fall victim to teen cyberbullying:
Age
Cyberbullying tends to peak during early adolescence, particularly between the 12 and 15 age bracket. During these formative years, teenagers are honing their social skills and can be more susceptible to negativity encountered online.
Gender
Cyberbullying may manifest differently for different genders. Studies show that girls are more likely to be subjected to relational cyberbullying—the spread of rumors and social exclusion. Boys, on the other hand, might face physical threats or insults.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
LGBTQ+ teenagers are more prone to cyberbullying. They may be targeted because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or for not conforming to conventional gender norms.
Appearance
Teens are often the target of cyberbullying due to their physical characteristics—weight, height, clothing style. Such cyberbullying can be particularly damaging due to the insecurities commonly associated with appearance in adolescence.
Disability
Sadly, teenagers with disabilities constitute a greater percentage of cyberbullying victims. Lacking understanding and empathy, cyberbullies often target disabled individuals because of their differences.
How to Know If Your Child Is Being Cyberbullied?
Dealing with the complexities of cyberbullying can be difficult because teens often hide their experiences out of fear or embarrassment. However, certain indicators could suggest that your child is dealing with online harassment. Here's what to look for:
Changes in Phone and Device Habits
Is your child suddenly overly secretive about their device usage? Do they flip the screen away when you're near or become unusually quiet after using their devices? These could be signs of distress caused by online activities.
Emotional Changes
Monitor your kid's emotional behavior. Any significant changes in their mood, such as increased sadness, anger, or withdrawal could indicate a problem. Anxiety or nervousness around receiving notifications could suggest cyberbullying.
Social Withdrawal
A loss of interest in socializing could also indicate cyberbullying. If your child is showing reluctance to interact with friends or attend social events, it may be due to embarrassment or fear caused by online harassment.
Changes in Sleep or Appetite
The stress imposed by cyberbullying can result in sleep disturbances or alterations in eating habits. If your child shows signs of insomnia or changes in their diet, it could be a symptom of online bullying.
Sudden Loss of Interest in Activities
A sudden loss of enthusiasm for daily hobbies is another red flag. Cyberbullying can reduce a teen's overall energy level and interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Utilize Parental Control Tools
Technology can assist in monitoring your child's online behavior. Parent control app enables you to oversee your child's digital interactions, making it easier to spot any abnormal activity or signs of cyberbullying. Always remember to explain your actions and intentions to your child to retain their trust and openness.
- AirDroid Parental Control & App Management
- Sync notifications to see if your child received bullied text messages.
- Live mirror your kid's screen to see who they are texting with.
- Set bully-related keywords to monitor your child's social media.
- Get alerts when keywords are triggered.
Video Tutorial
What Parents Can Do about Cyberbullying?
Naturally, you wouldn't leave your kids alone if they're being bullied, as their safety is your responsibility. If you suspect your child is facing cyberbullying, or if they've opened up to you about it, there are important steps you can take.
- Make your child feel safe to talk about what's happening online. Let them know you won't get mad; you just want to help.
- Take a peek at the apps and websites your child uses. This helps you understand the world they're in and how to keep them safe.
- Help your child feel good about themselves! Remind them of their awesomeness and all the things they're good at.
- Sometimes, a little extra help is needed. Talk to your child's school counselor or a grown-up who knows about cyberbullying.
- If someone's being mean online, take screenshots or pictures of the messages. This can help if you need to report the bully.
Conclusion
Cyberbullying is a complex issue that victims are often unaware of, which makes it even more dangerous. It can gradually damage a teen's mental health. Therefore, parents must know 'how does cyberbullying starts' in order to effectively support their children by learning about the origins of cyberbullying.
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