Sadly, the increased use of social media can often come with risks. A recent study from Glasgow University found teenagers are getting more anxious and depressed because of the 24-hour
demands of social media accounts. The teens also felt pressure to respond immediately to texts or posts.
Worryingly, sleep quality and self-
esteem were also affected. On top of
this, social media is now an avenue for new forms of bullying, including social media exclusion. Exclusion in the playground as a bullying tactic is nothing new, but it's now thought cyber bullies have taken to social media as a way to leave their victim isolated from group chats and the happenings of social media. According to Cyber Mentors,
other common forms of cyber bullying include:
Sending threatening messages on
social networks, via e-mail or text
messages.
Starting rumours online, via e-mail
or text messages.
Posting demeaning, hurtful or
threatening messages on social
networks or websites.
Stealing a person's log in details or
breaking into their account on
social media or other means of
electronic communication.
Posing as someone else on the
Internet with hurtful intentions.
Spreading unflattering pictures on
social media, websites or via e-mail
and mobile phones.
Although this all sounds scary, things can be done and there are steps you can take to protect your children, without invading their privacy or acting like a pushy parent.
1. Enable filters
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the UK provide filters that parent or guardians can enable to ensure children won't stumble across adult content. A recommended setting on social media is for posts to be seen by 'Friends only', but it's important to understand that
friends can share the content your child posts. The Cyber Safety Lady and author of Keeping Kids Safe Online, Leonie Smith says:
"All search engines have a 'Safe
search' filter that you can enable for browsers, and there are many apps and devices that you can use to set filters on mobile devices and home modems."
2. Don't take technology away
Research from charity Childnet suggests one reason kids keep quiet when they're being bullied online is the fear that their phone or computer will be taken away
from them. If you've found out your
child is being bullied, be careful not to isolate them by banning social media or devices. Banning, blocking or muting the bully is a better tactic, as is getting screen shots of the bullying to show the
school or even police, if necessary.
3. Make sure your child is legally
savvy
According to Childnet, talking to your child about online privacy and sharing content is absolutely vital. They need to understand that when an image is shared or sent to a friend, it could be posted anywhere else online and the risks are high. Sexting images break the
law for those that send, receive and
share them further. Discuss peer
pressure and positive self-esteem with your kids. Childnet advises:
"Discussing peer pressure and self
esteem with your child is a positive
way to encourage them to take
responsibility for their own actions
and resist pressure from others to
engage in activities they are
uncomfortable with, or know to be
against the law."
4. Familiarise yourself with social
media
According to Leonie, it's very important for parents to familiarise themselves
with what children might be accessing.
Up until mid-teens, parents should
make sure children ask for permission to use these applications. Common
Sense Media has a great list of apps and games, along with a suitability ranking for children. According to Get Safe
Online, Yik Yak and Ask.fm are just two websites associated with cyberbullying.
To learn more about safety features
available on some popular social
networks use this Safer Internet tool.
5. Don't show fear
Communication is key and an ongoing open dialogue about your child's online presence, while allowing them privacy to which you are comfortable, means your child is more likely to discuss
problems with you. When talking about social media and the Internet with your children, being fearful is probably the worst approach a parent can have, advises Leonie. She adds: "Parents who are openly fearful of the Internet can turn children into secretive users. Cutting off access to social media or messaging apps, can cut children and teens off from their friends. Being disparaging about the
digital world will ensure a child will not approach a parent for help if something goes wrong online."
6. Keep an eye out for quiet or
secretive behaviour
Is your child being secretive about their online use? This could be a sign they're being bullied, according to Leonie. She adds:
"Make sure you address it sooner
rather than later, but be sure that
you're calm and will work with them in a non-blaming way. Let them know the issue can be resolved – perhaps by giving them an example – as children need to know there are solutions."
7. Make rules about friendship
Another way to protect your children from compromising situations is to have conversations about online friendships,especially if your child is slightly younger. Be aware of the friends they are talking to in their instant messaging apps and social media. Leonie says:
"This becomes harder as they get to
the middle teen years. But if you have set up good safety education and have gone to some lengths to explain what a 'stranger' really is online, you will have less to worry about. Talk to your child about the type of language a stranger online might use, if they were getting too intrusive. Keep an eye on the types of games and apps your child uses, some games have a reputation for adults preying on younger teens and children."
8. Make sure your child is aware of
their digital footprint Childnet reveals that content uploaded
online can be copied, altered and
reposted by anyone and it is very
difficult to 'take back' something later on. Children who create or post inappropriate, offensive or even illegal content on their own or others' web pages could get them in trouble with their school, friends and even the police, depending on the nature of the material.
The charity therefore says it's important to encourage your child to increase their presence in a constructive way and build a positive online footprint. This can be done via fundraising pages, online blogs, leaving thoughtful comments on social media, plus sharing positive content.
Source: Net Doctor.
www.josiahdele.blogspot.com
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