Smartphones, the internet and social media have become an important part of teenagers’ lives. As the use of technology for education, entertainment and communication increases, so does the risk of online harassment. Insulting comments, threats, spreading false information, publishing private photos or videos and harassment through fake accounts are now familiar forms of cyberbullying.
Accessibility of technology
A smartphone can be used to communicate with many people in an instant. At the same time, personal photos, videos, and information are also spreading rapidly. Making fun of someone in the name of friendship, posting photos, or revealing personal information can sometimes cause terrible mental stress.
Online harassment is on the rise.
Cyberbullying is not limited to verbal abuse or insults. It also includes creating fake accounts, sharing screenshots of private conversations, intentionally excluding someone from online groups, insulting them in online games, and spreading distorted images of someone. The increasing use of artificial intelligence has also created new risks of harassment by creating fake images, videos, and audio.
Impact on mental health
Regular insults, threats or attempts to isolate children socially are affecting their self-confidence. Many are experiencing fear, restlessness, loneliness and reluctance to study. Some are losing their normal sleep patterns, while others are withdrawing from family and friends. Therefore, there is no room for minimizing online incidents.
Why are children silent?
Many children do not tell their parents about cyberbullying even after being a victim. Some are afraid of losing their mobile phones, some fear being scolded by their family, and some remain silent out of shame. As a result, the problem only lasts longer. Therefore, it is important to create a family environment where children can talk about any online problem without fear.
The role of the guardian
If a child is being bullied, the first thing to do is not to blame them. Listen calmly to what happened. Instead of asking, “Why did you say that?” or “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”, reassure them that the problem is not their fault. If necessary, tell a parent, teacher, or trusted adult.
It is important to preserve evidence.
In the event of cyberbullying, messages, posts, photos, videos, screenshots, account names and times should be recorded. The relevant account can then be blocked or muted as necessary and the social media reporting system can be used. It is important to seek necessary help if there is a serious threat or safety concern.
Not a counterattack.
Responding to harassment with verbal abuse or threats can make the situation more complicated. Therefore, it is more effective to take measures such as preserving evidence, blocking accounts, and reporting rather than reacting in anger. Children should also be taught that it is not necessary to respond to every provocation online.
Personal information protection precautions
Phone numbers, home addresses, passwords, personal photos, school details, or important family information should not be shared with strangers. It is important to regularly check the privacy settings of social media and be aware of who can see or contact the information.
School responsibilities
Educational institutions also play an important role in preventing cyberbullying. Students should be regularly made aware of digital behavior, online etiquette, personal information security, and the harms of cyberbullying. If a student is a victim of harassment, it is necessary to create an environment that supports them rather than ridicules them.
Safe use
Completely stopping children and adolescents from using the internet is not the solution. Technology is now an important means of education and acquiring skills. Therefore, it is necessary to teach safe use. Avoiding suspicious links, being wary of unfamiliar accounts, using strong passwords, and quickly reporting online problems to a trusted person – these habits must be developed.
Awareness is the biggest prevention
Family, educational institutions, friends, and technology platforms all have a responsibility to stop cyberbullying. Before insulting someone online, you should think about their mental state. No one’s personal photos or information should be published without permission. If you see a friend being harassed, you should not remain silent and cooperate.
Last words
Technology has opened the door to new possibilities for children and adolescents. At the same time, it has created some new risks. Cyberbullying is one of those risks that is affecting the mental well-being, confidence, and social relationships of children in real life beyond the online screen. Therefore, the main goal should not be to keep them away from technology, but to teach them to use technology safely. It is most important to create an environment where a child does not remain silent, does not feel afraid, and can ask family for help when needed if they are harassed online. Preventing cyberbullying is not just a technical issue; it is directly related to the safety, mental well-being and future of children.
