Recognizing Cyber Bullying and Responding Effectively

Bullying has been a continuous problem amongst children and young teenagers throughout highs schools and college prep boarding schools for centuries now, but today’s generation has more to deal with than just physical violence and verbal abuse because we have the world of cyber. In other words, we live in a technologically advanced world, which provides limitless opportunities for kids to not only bully online, but across a plethora of different social media and networking platforms while sometimes remaining anonymous. 

Bullying can cause extreme emotional, academic, and social deficits on an individual. Unfortunately, we cannot put a complete stop to cyber bullying, but we can learn to recognize when someone is being bullied and how to appropriately respond to it. 

There are multiple signs in kids or teens that may be getting bullied via the internet you want to watch for. First are changes in emotional behavior. If you notice that teens at college prep boarding schools or elsewhere have become withdrawn, shy, depressed, moody, irritable, extremely stressed or aggressive, this could mean they are victims of cyber bullying. 

One of the most common affects of cyber bullying at college prep boarding schools or elsewhere will show up in social or behavioral changes as well. For example, if a teen suddenly stops using their computer or other forms of technology, this could mean they are being cyber bullied. 

Also, changes in eating or sleeping habits, withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, suicidal threats or attempts, or sudden changes in friends, could be a result of cyber bullying. Withdrawal from technology  — such as a sudden discontinued use of a cell phone or computer — is the most common sign of cyber bullying and the biggest red flag to look out for. 

With emotional and social changes, one can also suffer academically. When children or teens don’t want to attend college prep boarding schools anymore, skip school or intentionally get in trouble to be sent home, they could be victims of cyber bullying and that is how they are responding.

Spotting the signs is one thing, but how do you properly respond to the situation?

First and foremost, it’s important to sympathize with the individual and let them know it’s not their fault. Often victims of bullying at college prep boarding schools and high schools don’t reach out for help because they are embarrassed, so if you recognize that they are being bullied that is the first step to helping them. 

If you are being cyber bullied it’s important to not retaliate. Engaging in the bullying can make it worse. Next — since technology allows us to — save any evidence to show someone that can help you. 

As for parents, it’s important to work with your child to put the bullying to a stop. Keep them involved in the process and don’t just “take care of it” on your own. 

Lastly, whether you are a parent or a teen, always remember to respond thoughtfully, not quickly. Choice of words and actions are crucial for putting the bullying to an end, so you want to make the right ones. 

Alyssa Koenig is an academic writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Wasatch Academy. Follow on Twitter.