This October is National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
which raises awareness around bullying and encourages kids to embrace kindness and inclusion. While bullying has always existed, cyberbullying presents new challenges. On social media, messaging apps, games, and other online spaces, cyberbullying can spread faster and feel inescapable for kids.
Cyberbullying is on the rise, with 1 in 4 teens experiencing it.
It has serious consequences like anxiety, depression, and even suicide. As an BSP that cares about protecting kids online, we want to spread awareness about cyberbullying risks and prevention this October.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying includes sending mean or threatening messages, starting rumors, posting embarrassing photos, trolling, impersonation, exclusion, stalking, and more. It can happen on popular social platforms, messaging apps, games, and anywhere kids interact online.
Signs your child is being cyberbullied:
- Avoiding social media or messaging apps
- Appearing anxious or sad after using devices
- Hesitation to participate in online groups or games
- Changes in sleep patterns and appetite
- Abnormal lack of eye contact or withdrawn behavior
How parents can prevent cyberbullying:
- Educate kids on what cyberbullying is and that it’s unacceptable
- Set rules around online etiquette and spreading rumors/gossip
- Encourage kids to come to you if they’re being bullied
- Use a cyberbullying monitoring tool like BARK to detect early warning signs
- Report cyberbullying to platforms and school authorities
This October, help prevent cyberbullying by being aware of the signs, talking to your kids, and monitoring online activity. Together, we can make the internet a kinder place for kids.
Contact us if you have any questions or want help addressing cyberbullying with help from our Bark Social Media monitoring service.
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