Cyberbullying is a real, and scary, threat to today’s youth. In this blog post, we’re sharing information from Get Cyber Safe to help you learn how to prevent, detect and get help for cyberbullying behaviour.
Get Cyber Safe is an initiative of the Government of Canada and has one goal: keep Canadians safe online. This project works to increase awareness of online threats and make cyber safety a part of daily life. You can learn more about this national program at www.GetCyberSafe.gc.ca.
How can I prevent my child from being a victim of cyberbullying?
According to Get Cyber Safe, it’s important to talk to your kids about cyberbullying openly and honestly. You may want to insist your child uses privacy settings on their computer and on social media sites. Teach your kids how to create strong (and unique!) passwords for their various accounts, and instill the importance of keeping these passwords private.
How can I tell if my kid is being cyberbullied?
Signs that your kid is being cyberbullied may include:
- Appearing upset, withdrawn or angry after receiving emails or text messages.
- Becoming more secretive about their online activities and avoiding conversations about their computer or mobile device usage.
- Becoming reluctant to go to school, or completely refuse.
How can I get help?
If your child is the victim of cyberbullying, read through the Government of Canada website to learn what you can do, how to document the incident and more. Counsellors from the Kids Help Phone are available to talk, 1-800-668-6868, and NeedHelpNow.ca offers steps to take if a photo needs to be removed from the Internet.
For much more information and tips about cyberbullying, visit www.GetCyberSafe.gc.ca.
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