10 Signs Your Child is a Cyberbullying Victim
Did you know that 43% of kids have been victim to cyberbullying, but 58% of them have not told their parents?
Cyberbullying is one of the most common online dangers, and kids and teens are particularly susceptible because they tend to take their tormentor's words to heart and resist confiding in their own parents.
And with these statistics in mind, it's an especially important part of parenting to recognize the signs of cyberbullying. These ten signs could signal that your child has fallen victim to a cyberbully.
- Appears nervous when receiving a text, instant message, or email
- Seems uneasy about going to school or pretends to be ill
- Unwillingness to share information about online activity
- Unexplained anger or depression, especially after going online
- Abruptly shutting off or walking away from the computer mid-use
- Withdrawing from friends and family in real life
- Unexplained stomachaches or headaches
- Trouble sleeping at night
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
As my children grow up, it's crucial to keep my eyes peeled for these warning signs that something is going wrong in their world.
If you notice some of these signs creeping into your child's behavior, it's time to talk about what's going on. Being the victim of cyberbullying is miserable, so don't minimize the problem or ignore it. This is the time for your child to know that you are on their side, no matter what.
Jenny Evans is a mother of four and a freelance writer specializing in parenting, childhood, and family issues.