Your children on social media How to protect them from cyberbullying

In today’s modern era, social media platforms have become an integral part of our children’s daily lives. While these platforms offer numerous benefits—such as communication, learning, and entertainment—there is also a darker side: the risk of online harassment that children may be exposed to. This type of harassment can be particularly dangerous because it occurs in a virtual world with blurred boundaries, making it even more challenging for parents to protect their children.In this Daleely Medical article, we will shed light on the types of cyber harassment children may face on social media, the reasons behind it, its harmful effects on a child's mental well-being, and most importantly, how to deal with it and prevent its risks.

Stages of Online Harassment in Children

Online harassment is a gradual process that unfolds in several stages, starting from getting to know the child and potentially leading to deep psychological effects. Understanding these stages is crucial in order to better protect our children. Here’s how online harassment typically occurs and how to recognize each stage:

1. Initial Contact (Stage One)

At this stage, the perpetrator searches for a potential victim. The child may be a complete stranger or someone the abuser knows indirectly through the internet.

Warning signs:

Browsing the child’s online profiles to gather personal information.
Attempting to connect with the child through messaging apps or online games.
Showing interest in the child’s hobbies or favorite games.

2. First Interaction (Stage Two)

Once contact is made, the perpetrator begins to build a seemingly innocent relationship, usually through social media or chat rooms.

Warning signs:

Friendly, harmless-looking messages at first.
Asking for personal details like the child’s name, age, or location.
Using phrases like “I’m your friend” or “We’re so alike” to gain trust.

3. Building Trust and Emotional Manipulation (Stage Three)

At this stage, the predator works on building a deep emotional connection, often manipulating the child to believe the relationship is genuine.

Warning signs:

Excessive interest in the child’s personal life.
Persuading the child to share sensitive information or photos.
Emotional manipulation, such as guilt-tripping or creating fear of losing the “friendship.”

4. Harassment or Exploitation (Stage Four)

Now, the perpetrator starts demanding inappropriate content, such as photos or videos, or sending sexually explicit messages.

Warning signs:

Requests for intimate photos or private information.
Messages containing sexual content or links to inappropriate material.
Threats to pressure the child into complying.

5. Threats and Blackmail (Stage Five)

After receiving content, the abuser may begin blackmailing the child by threatening to share their photos or information unless they continue cooperating.

Warning signs:

Threats to expose private content online.
Emotional pressure that makes the child feel trapped in a toxic relationship.

6. Recruiting the Child or Promoting Harmful Content (Stage Six)

In some cases, the predator may use the child to participate in illegal activities, such as distributing inappropriate content.

Warning signs:

Forcing the child to share or promote harmful material.
Turning the child into a tool to spread such content among peers.

7. Disclosure or Relationship Termination (Stage Seven)

Eventually, a parent or responsible adult may discover the situation, leading to the end of the communication. In some cases, the abuse may continue until it is revealed.

Warning signs:

Sudden changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or loss of interest in familiar activities.
Hiding the phone or computer, or appearing anxious when online.
Signs of fear or distress when asked to use the internet.

How to Prevent and Deal with Online Harassment in Children

Addressing online harassment requires proactive steps to protect children and guide them in safe digital behavior. Here are some effective prevention and response strategies:

1. Education and Guidance

Awareness is the first line of defense. Parents should educate their children on how to use the internet safely and explain the risks of interacting with strangers online. Teach children not to share personal information (like name, address, or phone number) with untrusted individuals.

2. Monitoring Digital Activity

Parents should consistently monitor their children's online activities. Parental control tools can help manage the websites and apps the child uses and ensure they are not engaging with suspicious or unknown people.

3. Encouraging Open Communication

It’s important that children feel comfortable talking about anything upsetting or inappropriate they encounter online. Parents should foster a culture of open dialogue where the child feels safe expressing emotions without fear or judgment.

4. Immediate Action

If any form of online harassment is discovered, parents must act quickly. Contact the proper authorities, immediately cut communication with the abuser, and provide emotional support to help the child process and recover from the experience in a healthy way.

Types of Online Harassment Among Children

Online harassment includes a range of negative behaviors that can significantly impact children. These behaviors appear in various forms and may lead to serious emotional and psychological effects. Below are the most common types of online harassment that children may experience:

1. Sexual Online Harassment

This is one of the most dangerous forms of online harassment. It includes sending sexual images or videos to the child or attempting to lure them into sending inappropriate content.

Warning signs:

Receiving inappropriate messages or images.
An adult trying to spark the child's sexual curiosity.
Persistent pressure to engage in inappropriate conversations or send personal photos.

2. Cyber Extortion

Cyber extortion occurs when the child is threatened with the publication of sensitive information or images unless they comply with the abuser’s demands, which could be financial or sexual in nature.

Warning signs:

Threats to publish personal photos or information.
The child appears anxious or scared when online.
Feelings of guilt or fear of punishment if they don’t comply.

3. Verbal Harassment or Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying includes using harmful words or spreading rumors online. It may happen via text messages, comments, or chat groups.

Warning signs:

Constantly receiving threats or ridicule online.
Sadness or withdrawal after being online.
Refusal to use social media or go online.

4. Grooming or Psychological Manipulation

Grooming is when an adult builds a fake friendship with the child to gain their trust and manipulate them. They might start inappropriate conversations or persuade the child to act in unsafe ways.

Warning signs:

Continuous communication with an unknown adult online.
Efforts to convince the child to reveal private information or engage in certain behavior.
The child feels unusually comfortable with an online stranger.

5. Abuse Through Violent or Suspicious Online Games

Some online games may serve as platforms for harassment, especially those involving interaction with strangers. Some users exploit these games to bully or expose children to inappropriate content.

Warning signs:

Exposure to violent or inappropriate content during gaming.
Inappropriate interactions with other players.
Noticeable behavior changes or embarrassment after playing.

6. Irresponsible Sharing of Personal Information

Children may unknowingly share sensitive personal information through social media or apps, which can make them vulnerable to harassment or exploitation.

Warning signs:

Sharing personal details online without understanding the consequences.
Feeling unsafe when asked about their information or pressured to share it.

Causes of Online Harassment Among Children

Child harassment over the internet has become a growing concern, and understanding the causes is crucial for prevention. These causes vary between psychological, social, and technological factors. Here are the main reasons why children might be exposed to online harassment:

1. Lack of Digital Awareness and Education

Many children are unaware of the dangers that come with being online. They may assume the internet is a safe space and easily share personal information.

Reasons:

Not being taught about internet safety.
Lack of guidance on protecting privacy or safe device use.
No training on how to handle harmful content or strangers online.

2. Absence of Parental Supervision

Many families do not monitor their children's internet activity closely, giving kids the freedom to interact with inappropriate content or people.

Reasons:

Not using parental control tools.
Limited communication between parents and children about their digital behavior.
No clear household rules for internet use.

3. Emotional or Psychological Vulnerability

Children facing emotional challenges like loneliness, depression, or a lack of belonging may be more likely to respond to grooming or extortion attempts online.

Reasons:

Low self-esteem or feelings of isolation.
Desire for attention or validation.
Lack of emotional support at home.

4. Negative Impact of Social Media

Social media platforms allow children to connect with strangers, opening the door to exploitation. Some apps also make it easy to share inappropriate content or interact with unknown users.

Reasons:

Easy access to the internet via smartphones and tablets.
Children unaware of the risks of posting photos or personal details.
Games and apps that allow interaction with strangers.

5. Adolescent Curiosity and Risk-Taking

During adolescence, children tend to test boundaries and may be drawn to interactions with strangers. This adventurous behavior can increase their exposure to online dangers.

Reasons:

Curiosity or desire to explore limits.
Peer influence encouraging risky behaviors.
Impulsiveness and lack of awareness of consequences.

6. Lack of Proper Family Guidance

Children who don’t receive proper guidance regarding internet use may fall into the trap of online harassment. In some cases, parents may be unaware of digital dangers or underestimate their impact.

Reasons:

No family discussions about internet safety.
Children not educated on the importance of privacy.
Parents not addressing potential online risks with their children.

7. Unsafe Use of Modern Technology

Advancements in technology have given children access to communication tools that can be unsafe, such as chat apps or games that allow interaction with strangers.

Reasons:

Children don’t know how to adjust privacy settings.
Using apps or games that connect them with unknown users.
Unrestricted internet access without supervision.

8. Exposure to Negative Role Models

If children are exposed to unethical behavior online or in their environment, they may be more likely to imitate such actions. Sometimes they may witness harassment or abusive behavior in media or within their surroundings, reinforcing unsafe conduct.

Reasons:

Exposure to harmful or misleading online content.
Negative behaviors in the child’s environment such as bullying or blackmail.

The Dangers of Cyberbullying in Children

Cyberbullying is one of the most serious problems affecting children in the digital age. This phenomenon can leave lasting psychological and physical effects on children, causing numerous harms. Here are the main dangers children may face as a result of cyberbullying:

1. Psychological and Emotional Harm

Cyberbullying has intense psychological effects on children, including:

Anxiety and stress: A child subjected to cyberbullying may experience severe anxiety. They may feel tense and afraid when interacting online, or even fear the idea of someone discovering what they’ve been through.
Depression and isolation: Victims of cyberbullying may suffer from deep sadness and isolation. They may feel unable to talk about their experience, which worsens feelings of loneliness.
Low self-esteem: Over time, children may lose confidence in themselves, feeling unloved or unwanted.

2. Social Harm

Cyberbullying affects a child's ability to engage socially and can lead to more isolation. Common social harms include:

Difficulty forming relationships: After experiencing cyberbullying, a child may struggle to build healthy relationships with peers and avoid social activities for fear of being exploited again.
Social anxiety: Children may find it difficult to communicate with others due to fear of encountering similar situations.
Declining academic performance: Anxiety caused by cyberbullying can negatively impact a child’s focus at school, leading to a drop in academic performance.

3. Physical Health Issues

The health effects of cyberbullying go beyond mental health, extending to physical symptoms such as:

Sleep disorders: Anxiety and fear caused by cyberbullying may result in sleep problems like insomnia or recurring nightmares.
Psychosomatic symptoms: Children may complain of stomachaches or headaches due to the psychological stress they’re experiencing.
Increased tension and fatigue: Ongoing fear and worry can lead to physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or excessive sweating.

4. Behavioral Issues

Cyberbullying may alter a child’s behavior and lead to unusual responses such as:

Social withdrawal: A child might avoid using the internet entirely or reduce interaction with others due to fear of similar incidents.
Aggressive or emotional behavior: Some children may express their distress through aggression or unusual emotional reactions as a result of psychological trauma.
Internet addiction: Children who are bullied online may turn to excessive internet use to escape their negative feelings, which can increase isolation and internet dependency.

5. Damage to Understanding of Privacy and Safety

Cyberbullying can alter a child's perception of privacy and safety, increasing their vulnerability:

Distorted sense of privacy: Victims may become less able to understand or respect personal boundaries, making them more prone to future exploitation.
Loss of safety: A child who has experienced cyberbullying may feel unsafe when interacting online, and future interactions may be filled with fear and anxiety.

How to Treat Cyberbullying in Children

Treating cyberbullying in children requires a well-thought-out approach that includes prevention, awareness, emotional support, and legal follow-up. Here are the most effective ways to combat this issue and protect children:

1. Awareness and Education

Teach children the importance of privacy: Children need to learn how to protect their personal information and avoid sharing details like name, address, or phone number online.
Identify potential risks: Kids should be aware of the dangers of interacting with strangers online and how to recognize inappropriate or harmful content. Using stories or interactive videos can be helpful.
Guide children on handling suspicious situations: Children should know how to respond when someone asks for inappropriate things or threatens them, and be encouraged to report such cases to parents or trusted adults immediately.

2. Encouraging Open Communication

Create a supportive environment: Children should feel free to talk about any problems they face online without fear of punishment. Parents need to show full support and encourage open dialogue.
Teach children how to act in emergencies: If cyberbullying occurs, the child should know to cut off contact with the abuser and inform parents or authorities.

3. Monitoring Children’s Digital Activity

Use parental controls: Parents can use parental control apps to monitor online activity and ensure children are exposed only to appropriate content.
Set clear rules for internet use: Establish specific times and places for internet use and monitor which websites the child is visiting.
Ensure account security: Children’s social media accounts should have strong passwords and be limited to trusted individuals only.

4. Responding to Detected Cases

Stop all communication with the abuser: If cyberbullying is discovered, communication with the offender should be immediately cut off.
Provide psychological support: Counseling and psychological support are essential for helping children recover from the trauma of cyberbullying.
Report the abuser: Parents should report the offender to the appropriate legal authorities (e.g., police or child protection centers) and provide any available evidence such as messages or images.

5. Teaching Responsible Internet Use

Promote safe internet use: Teach children how to use the internet responsibly and build healthy, safe online relationships.
Risk awareness training: Children should be trained to recognize people with bad intentions online, such as those who ask for private pictures or initiate inappropriate conversations.

6. Encourage Reporting Suspicious Behavior

Don’t stay silent: Children need to know they have the right to report any inappropriate behavior or situation that makes them feel unsafe.
Maintain open channels of communication: It’s important for children to feel they can talk to their parents about anything that bothers them, even if they feel shy or scared.

7. Ongoing Support and Monitoring

Follow up after incidents: Parents should continue to monitor the child’s behavior and emotional state after the incident, including seeking counseling if needed.
Help rebuild self-esteem: Long-term support from parents and specialists can help children overcome the psychological and social impact of the experience.

8. Collaborate with Schools and Educational Institutions

Work with schools: Parents should coordinate with schools to raise awareness about cyberbullying. Schools should implement educational programs to help students recognize and avoid online risks.
Organize school workshops: Hosting awareness workshops for students can help them learn how to detect cyberbullying and what to do if they become victims.

9. Legal Action Against Offenders

Take legal steps: When cyberbullying is discovered, legal measures should be taken against the perpetrator. This includes filing official complaints, conducting investigations, and applying appropriate penalties.