Cyberbullying: How parents can protect their children
Insults, exclusion and harassment are no longer limited to the school playground, but also occur on social networks and messenger services. Tips for more safety when using forums, chats and communities.
What is cyberbullying?
The term cyberbullying covers all forms of insult, exclusion, harassment, threats or exposure that take place exclusively online. Bullying attacks on the internet often take place in messenger service chats, forums, social networks, on video platforms or by email.
Online harassment can arise from insulting messages or rumors about a person. The publication of derogatory photos and film sequences can exacerbate the situation. Cyberbullying also occurs when people are deliberately excluded from chat groups in order to stir up gossip.
Almost one in five pupils has been affected by cyberbullying
The Cyberlife IV study published by Bündnis gegen Cybermobbing e.V. in cooperation with Techniker Krankenkasse in 2020 shows that almost one in five young people in Germany - that's more than 1.8 million students - have been affected by cyberbullying at least once.
This makes cyberbullying a widespread phenomenon that, according to the study, has been further exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. 65% of pupils and 46% of parents and teachers stated that online conflicts have also increased due to increased online use.
The study points out that adolescents are particularly vulnerable and sensitive to cyberbullying during puberty. Parents, schools and teachers often act too hesitantly.
Consequences of cyberbullying for children and young people
Gossip in the schoolyard ends after school. However, children and young people are persecuted online at any time and in any place. The lack of a safe space can cause a great deal of distress and have health consequences.
The study shows that 58 percent of victims are very hurt, 40 percent react with anger and 34 percent are frightened. What is particularly worrying is that 15 percent of children and young people have already turned to alcohol, tablets and drugs out of desperation and 24 percent, i.e. one in four of those affected, have even had suicidal thoughts.
How parents can protect their children from cyberbullying
It is therefore important that parents take a close look and show openness when their children are online. Parents can offer their children protection with these tips.
1. protect personal data
More important than the duration of media use is the conscious handling of your own data and the data of others. First of all, set up a childproof smartphone to protect it from inappropriate content.
Make your child aware of who can and should see their status, profile, personal pictures or entries. Discuss together who can share or link to your child's pictures and who can write to them.
Talk about what content is disclosed and what is not. Also point out which content offers opportunities for attack. The rule of thumb is to reveal as little as necessary about yourself and only make this visible to friends that your child knows personally. Clarify who is really behind an online friend.
2. become active
Show your child how they can block users who are harassing or disturbing them. Discuss what rights your child has if they feel attacked. Collecting evidence by taking screenshots is an important first step towards having something to hold against perpetrators. If your child is active in chat groups, talk about possible group rules that prevent bullying.
3. strengthen emotionally
Ups and downs are part of your child's life. This also includes finding a place in the group and putting up with other characters or opinions. How well they cope with this depends on their inner resilience. Strengthen your child emotionally and promote their resilience.
4. reflection
Question your own online usage behavior. How do you protect your data? What pictures do you publish of yourself or even your children in chats and social networks?
What should you do if your child has already been the victim of a cyberbullying attack?
Children and young people are often very uncomfortable when they are the victims of insults and slander on the Internet. They fear being misunderstood or receiving punishments. The following tips are therefore advisable for parents.
1. show interest
Show an interest in your child's Internet activities and offer yourself as a confidant with whom your child can talk about unpleasant online contacts.
2. collect evidence
Document the bullying incidents and collect all information about the perpetrator, the platform and offensive posts in the form of screenshots. However, if naked pictures of minors are available when collecting evidence, caution is advised. Parents in particular could make themselves liable to prosecution by taking such screenshots and could be subject to investigation proceedings for the distribution of child pornography. It is therefore advisable to only take screenshots in consultation with the police in such cases.
3. inform the operator of the platform
Inform the operator of the platform. Most providers are interested in combating bullying and are also obliged to take action against it. After you have saved the evidence of bullying, have the operator of the site delete the posts as quickly as possible so that they cannot be shared further online.
4. seek conversation
Try to talk to the perpetrator. Often these are people your child knows in their private life. If this is the case, talk to teachers, parents or the person themselves.
5. file a criminal complaint
In the event of extreme threats and violations of personal rights, it is possible to file a complaint. The basis for this is good documentation of the incidents.
