Parenting Skills

Traditional Bullying vs. Cyberbullying: What Parents Need to Know




Bullying has evolved with technology, and cyberbullying presents unique challenges for today's kids. Here's a breakdown of the key differences and dangers of cyberbullying so you can help protect your child.


1. Time and Location Don't Matter Anymore

  • Traditional bullying happened in specific locations like the schoolyard or mall, with home serving as a reprieve.
  • Cyberbullying can occur anytime, anywhere - on the bus, during dinner, or even under the covers at night.
  • Kids can receive hurtful messages while sitting right next to you, making home no longer a guaranteed safe space.

2. More Avenues for Harassment

  • Traditional bullying included face-to-face teasing, rumors, and exclusion.
  • Cyberbullying occurs through:
  • Aggressive texts, emails, chats, or comments.
  • Passive posts like hurtful photos or screenshots shared widely.
  • \"Siccing\": Bullies recruit others to gang up on a single victim online, creating an overwhelming attack.
  • Even if blocked, cyberbullies can switch platforms or create new accounts to continue the harassment.

3. Burn Books Have Become Ebooks \u27a1

  • Then: Burn books were physical collections of hurtful comments, passed around secretly.
  • Now: They exist as Google Docs or private group chats, which are:
  • Instantly shareable and harder to confiscate.
  • Password-protected and spread via screenshots for added humiliation.

4. Anonymity Enables Cruelty Without Confrontation

  • In the past, rumors could be spread anonymously (like graffiti or whispered lies).
  • Now, anonymous apps and social media accounts allow bullies to attack with no trace of their real identity.
  • Kids can post hurtful comments without accountability, leading to:
  • More emboldened cruelty.
  • "Tea accounts' that spread harmful school gossip for all to see.

5. Impersonation Is Easier Than Ever

  • Then: Impersonation was limited to prank calls.
  • Now: Bullies can create fake social media profiles using:
  • A child's pictures and personal information (often easily found online).
  • Fake content that embarrasses or incriminates the victim.
  • This can cause emotional damage, public humiliation, and even trouble with schools or authorities.

Summing it up

Cyberbullying is:
- Persistent: It can follow kids 24/7.
- Wide-reaching: Harmful content can spread rapidly to a large audience.
- Anonymized: Bullies can hide behind fake profiles, making attacks even more vicious.

Talk to your kids often about cyberbullying, making sure they know:
1. They can always come to you if they feel hurt or threatened.
2. You're there to listen and help - no matter what.

Being aware of the new rules of bullying will help you better protect your child in this digital age.


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