WEYBURN - Cyberbullying is different from face-to-face bullying. It is an electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending intimidating and/or threatening messages. These messages may be sent in various ways, including through apps or via social media platforms. It is very important that parents, guardians and teachers recognize the signs of cyberbullying to help the child being victimized.
Saskatchewan’s Action Plan to Address Bullying and Cyberbullying is the roadmap that guides the government’s work to end bullying. More than 1,000 students, teachers, parents, guardians and community members throughout Saskatchewan contributed to the plan by sharing their thoughts about the effects of bullying. A quick and consistent response to bullying is an effective way to convey that such behavior is unacceptable. Parents first must learn to recognize signs of cyberbullying, which is not always as easy to spot as other bullying behaviors.
Hateful words and rumors are often a component of cyberbullying. In such instances, that abuse can follow young people home, giving them the idea that the bullying is inescapable. In decades past, bullying victims could at least see their homes as safe havens. That’s no longer the case, which is why it’s vital that parents learn to recognize the signs of cyberbullying.
Young people may exhibit their own unique symptoms if they’re being victimized by cyberbullies. Parents can look for these signs and then take immediate action if they suspect their children are being cyberbullied. Signs include: when your child becomes upset, sad or angry after being online or using their phone; when they withdraw from family or friends; when they express reluctance or refuses to participate in activities previously enjoyed; when they have an unexplained decline in grades; when they refuse to go to school or express anger or dissatisfaction with a specific class or school in general; or when they increasingly report symptoms of illness for which he or she wants to stay at home.
Parents who see any of these signs should respond to them immediately. Take a gentle, supportive tone during any discussions with children, making sure to express your concerns while also listening to the child when he or she explains what is so upsetting.
Parents who have confirmed or suspect their child is a victim of cyberbullying should contact their children’s school immediately. More information about how to respond to cyberbullying and prevent its recurrence is available through local school divisions.
In Saskatchewan, the Comprehensive School Community Health approach supports bringing schools, families and community together to address the health and safety issues of children and youth, including bullying and cyberbullying issues.
