By Rabiyah Khan
What is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is also known as online harassment and cyberstalking. To put it simply, cyberbullying is a misuse of information technology to harass, threaten, embarrass and target another person, cyberbullying comes in various forms. Today’s world has been made smaller by technology, a new generation has come up with new problems. Cyberbullying happens through devices like smartphones, computers, laptops, tablets, and gaming systems it happens when someone stalks your account, and information and then misuses it to threaten you, making a fake account or screen name to harass or bully so that you can not identify who is behind the screen. This process is basically called cyberbullying or online harassment. Cyberbullying hurts people, and it is against the law.
Signs Of Cyberbullying
Many kids and teens who suffer from online harassment do not tell their parents, teacher, an elder, or guardian due to the pressure and fear that their devices will be taken from them, here it becomes the parent’s and teacher’s responsibility to keep an eye on the children’s social activities and to take care of their mental health.
Following are the signs of cyberbullying; hopefully, with their help of them, you may recognize your child’s condition well.
- Avoiding school, family, and other social gatherings
- Being so concerned and secretive about their social media life
- Spending more time alone than usual
- Being emotionally upset while using the internet or phone
- Lack of interest in family and friends
- Slipping grades and being so much angry about little things
- Changes in mood behavior or appetite
- Being nervous, tensed, and upset when getting a message, text, or email
- Avoiding discussions of computers, mobiles, or social accounts
Effects Of Cyberbullying
The Effects of cyberbullying or internet harassment might be a cause of terrible depression and anger issues. Kids and teens can feel like they never get a break and feel the effects for a very long time of period. In rare cases, kids have attempted or died from suicide. Cyberbullies also can be suspended or expelled from schools, colleges, and universities. Kids also might be in legal trouble.
How Can Parents Help?
If your child is being cyberbullied, first of all, offer them comfort and support. Taking a stand with them gives them the courage to fight the situation. Do not make them afraid don’t make the situation more difficult for them; try to give them complete emotional support. Talk to them about any online harassment you had, this might help your child feel less alone.
Let your child know that this is not their fault it is about more the bully than the victim. Remind your child you are together in this, and try to figure out things together.
Many school districts and school clubs have rules for responding to cyberbullying in this case parents should notify the school. Tell the principal; tell the counselor or teacher about the situation.
Keep records, keep screenshots and save threatening messages, pictures, and other harassing things. These can be used as evidence by the bully’s parents or even the police. And if your child agrees then try to meet with a therapist; it may help work through feelings.
Other Things To Prevent In The Future
Limit the access of your kid to technology, it is hurtful that many kids who are bullied can’t resist the temptation to check their websites, phones, or their social accounts to see if there are new messages, in this case, parents should calm the child and give less access to technology. Encourage your kids and teens to teach you about something they know well about technology, and try to make them understand that they should share their secrets with you. This will show your kids that you are interested in how they spend their time online while helping you understand how to best monitor their online safety.
Be a part of your kid’s online world, ask to ‘friend’ or ‘follow’ your child on their social media accounts but do not abuse this privilege by commenting or posting anything on their profile. Check their postings, friends, and the sites your kid’s visit, and keep a firm watch on their activities and social media circle.
Cybercrime is increasing day by day, yet there isn’t any legislation for cybercrimes in Pakistan. However, if you know someone being bullied online or are a victim yourself, here’s what you need to do.
Register A Complaint Through FIA
Simply write down your application in English or in Urdu, narrate your complete problem, and provide as many shreds of evidence, and details as you can send it to the FIA National Response Center for Cybercrimes.
CPLC To The Rescue
The citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) has set up a women’s complaint cell aimed at dealing with women’s harassment issues across the country. Complaints can be made on these numbers: 021-35662222, 021-35682222.