Netiquette refers to good manners on the internet and treating other people on the internet as you would like to be treated yourself. Children may not realize that they can accidentally offend someone online. Unfortunately, some people use the internet and/or mobile phones to upset or harass others. This is called “Cyberbullying”.
Here are some tips to save your child from being a victim of cyberbullying:
- Tell your children not to respond to any cyberbullying threats or comments online. However, do not delete any of the messages. Instead, print out all the messages, including the email addresses or online screen names of the cyberbully. You will need the messages to verify and prove there is cyber bullying.
- Set rules on usage of internet and social media website. Example: time period for which he can be online, which website he will register, ensure that the age limits are followed diligently.
- Keep the computer in a public part of your home, such as the living room, so that you can check on what your child is doing online and how much time he is spending there.
- Learn about the warning signs of trouble like disruption of daily schedule, meals, studies drop in grades.
- In serious case of cyberbullying, take help of local authorities or contact the support team of the website.
- Ask your child about their experience with social media websites and guide them if required. In an intense situation, stay calm and remind your child that it is OK to bring it to your attention. And solve the problem tactfully. For kids of all ages, ask daily: âHave you used the computer and the Internet today? Share a bit about your daily Social Media activity, use it in a way to facilitate daily conversation about your child’s online habits.
- Join social media websites. Understand how it works. Also monitor your child’s profile.
- Don’t overreact by blaming your children. If they are being bullied, be supportive and understanding.
- Don’t threaten to take away your children’s computers if they come to you with a problem. This only forces kids to be more secretive.
- Protect the accounts very carefully with the passwords and other information. By protecting the accounts carefully, it will keep the bullies from gaining access to them and this in turn can keep the kids safe from the bully ruining their life.
This post was provided by our good friends at Wise Netizen. You can visit them here: www.wisenetizen.com They help parents in educating their kids about cyber safety. It is a non-profitable initiative. It includes free resources like videos, posters, eSafety quizzes and guides. Register today and stay safe online!