The back-to-school bullying talk needs to include cyber.
I’ve seen a trend of parents prepping kids for bullying, but no one’s talking about what teens actually face once everyone has a device (especially in middle and high school).
I spent yesterday morning talking to teens who had experienced this and learned how they’re navigating the pressure:
1. Ignoring it. Muting notifications and not engaging generally seemed successful. Students said they’ll sometimes send one short line defending themselves, but they won’t engage further.
2. Blocking people and reporting (this is something they should know how to do on their device).
3. Having private accounts. I spoke to students who had private accounts and some who didn’t. The ones who did said it kept them from being added to group chats and in general not adding people they don’t know.
4. Deleting an account if need be. A student told me he’s had to delete an account and reopen a new one just to get people off his back (I’m skeptical this is a long-term solution considering the “suggested friends” feature).
That’s what teens are already doing, and I would pass that on to my kids but as a parent I’d add:
5. Review any school policies and lay out expectations for how you want your kids to act online.
6. Set a “no trouble” rule. Kids need to know they can go to an adult with a safety issue without getting in trouble. That doesn’t mean a free pass on everything, but it could mean reduced consequences or a supportive talk, to reward honesty.
#onlinesafety #teensafety #cyberbullying #parentingtips #backtoschool
When addressing bullying with teens during back-to-school season, it's crucial to focus not only on traditional in-person bullying but also on the digital challenges young people face today. Cyberbullying can be more pervasive and persistent because it follows teens everywhere via their devices. From my conversations with teenagers, it's clear that ignoring negative comments and muting notifications helps reduce daily stress. However, this is often just one part of a broader personal strategy. Another vital step is teaching teens to confidently use blocking and reporting tools available on social media platforms and messaging apps. These features empower them to control who can contact them and minimize harmful interactions. Additionally, maintaining private accounts limits the audience to trusted contacts and prevents unwanted invitations to group chats where bullying often occurs. In some cases, students have found that deleting an account and starting fresh can be a temporary way to escape ongoing harassment. Still, this should be paired with awareness of platform algorithms like 'suggested friends,' which may reconnect them with previous contacts. From a parental perspective, reviewing school policies about online behavior helps set clear boundaries and expectations for responsible digital conduct. Equally important is fostering a safe environment at home where teens feel comfortable reporting incidents without fear of harsh punishment. A "no trouble" approach encourages honesty and timely intervention, which can prevent the escalation of conflicts. Overall, cyberbullying requires a thoughtful combination of tech-savviness and emotional support. Parents and teens working together to create digital safety plans and communication agreements can make the online experience less intimidating and more positive. By embracing these proactive steps, families can better prepare for the unique challenges that come with the digital landscape in middle and high school years.