As a parent it is very important to be aware of the dangers of the Internet as it has a direct impact on your child.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) emphasised a new form of bullying that has surfaced over the past few years called cyber bullying. Cyber bullying can occur anywhere at any time through email, texts, cell phones and social media web sites.
Cyber bullying is just as serious as any other form of bullying and should not be taken lightly nor should it be tolerated.
When a child or teen uses the Internet, emails, text messages, instant messaging like WhatsApp, social media forums like Facebook or any other digital platforms to intentionally humiliate another child or teen is considered as cyber bullying. Almost anyone with an internet connection or cell phone can cyber bully someone else without even revealing their true identity. After a while the child becomes a victim of cyber bullying.
Cyber bullying can follow the victim everywhere to a point where he/she doesn’t even feel safe at home. The humiliation can be witnessed by hundreds of viewers online.
Cyber bullying doesn’t know any limits. It can range from sending threatening or taunting messages via email or text to breaking into your email account or stealing your online identity to intentionally hurt and humiliate you. The bullying can be even more intense when a cyber bully goes so far as to create a web site or social media page to target you.
Tips for dealing with cyber bullying:
• Do not respond. A reaction is exactly what the bully wants.
• Do not respond with the same threats. This will reinforce the bully.
• Save the evidence, no matter how small.
• Block the bully. Report abusive comments to the social media website administrators.
• Talk to a trusted friend or adult who can help.
When one knows about cyber bullying it is easier to prevent and control this occurrence.
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