The children of this generation are growing up in a technology-ridden world. Wherever you look, you will see a child holding a phone in his hand. According to a recent study, your child could also use it as a means of intimidating others or becoming a victim of cyber-harassment.
What is cyber-harassment?
It is the act of initiating and pursuing a form of harassment via digital means with the aim of damaging the person's reputation, controlling it, traumatizing it, or simply, in revenge for it. The attacks of a stalker could become even more violent if he does not notice any support coming from the relatives of the victim.
According to Peter K. Smith (Professor of Psychology, Goldsmiths College, University of London), "cyber-harassment is an aggressive, intentional act perpetrated through electronic forms of communication, repeatedly against victim. "
The practices of children and adolescents have become increasingly dangerous as regards the sharing of photos and videos.
- 40% of children admit to having already experienced cyber bullying.
- 85% of harassment occurs in a group setting.
- 22% of harassed children do not tell anyone.
- 61% of cyber-harassment victims say they have had suicidal thoughts.
A US Pediatric Academy study of approximately 4,584 children between the ages of 8 and 11 found that having a cell phone in primary school was associated with bullying and cyberbullying.
"Parents should at least engage in discussions and educate their child about the responsibilities of owning a smartphone and about the general rules of communication in the social sphere," says Elizabeth Englander, educational consultant in the state of Massachusetts.
The research found that while more than half of third-party bulkers had a cell phone, only 35% of children who are not involved in cyberbullying have a cell phone. Even more dramatically, three quarters of third-year stalkers had smartphones, compared to only 37% of third-year students who were not involved. The results were similar, but somewhat weaker, for students in grades four and five.
Englander went on to explain that the results may have been stronger in younger children because of their relatively limited ability to understand how communication works in a digital environment.
Parents can take practical steps to minimize the risk of harassment and cyberbullying in their young children, helping to ensure the overall well-being of their child. Here are a few :
Establish the property
The phone is not your child's, it belongs to you. So, you always have the right to look at it. By checking your child's phone, you can detect messages or posts suggesting involvement in bullying or cyberbullying.
No phone at the table
A 2014 study by researchers at McGill University in Canada found that family dinners help protect children from bullying and harassment. Dinner time can be an opportunity to build emotional relationships, even when no major conversation is taking place. It can also be a time to talk about challenges and challenges, and to discuss solutions and strategies, with the support of people who love you.
Limit use during homework
Listening to music can be a good thing, but watching videos and TV shows or playing games should not happen until homework is done, because multitasking is a source of distraction that affects the memory. , learning and cognitive performance.
No phone before bedtime
It has been well established that bright screens just before bedtime can delay or interrupt sleep patterns. Sleep problems, in turn, have been linked to bullying. To promote healthy sleep and reduce the risk of bullying, help your child adopt good sleep habits by storing digital devices one hour before bedtime.
Owning a smartphone is not a right, it's a privilege. As a parent, encourage responsible cell phone use by linking digital privileges to responsibilities. Show the kids how to manage their time. Teach them that discussing social issues is part of being mature enough to own, possibly, a smartphone.
