Cyber bullying is a type of bullying intended to hurt someone by using electronic devices. It takes place on different digital platforms but most of the time, occurs online like on social media. Cyber bullying can take many forms such as sending mean and embarrassing messages or threats to someone’s mobile phone, spreading fake news online, posting harmful messages or photos on social networks, pretending to be someone else online to nag or to offend someone, and even more. Sometimes cyber bullies do not consider what they do as an act of bullying but a joke. Nevertheless, it can result in a serious damage that ranges from psychological, emotional and physical. For kids or teens, examples may include anxiety, social isolation, and poor academic performance. For young people, they may certainly develop severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression, even suicide thought or attempt.

A few tips for parents and young people to help prevent cyber bullying

• Both parents and teenagers have each the responsibilities to end this harmful practice. That means, parents must engage in a daily talk with their teens and get more involved in what they do. In fact, teens need to be informed of what exactly cyber bullying is with its consequences. They also need to be taught on how they should behave when using electronic technologies
• Anyone can become a victim of cyber bullying, therefore it is always important to identify and report any existing case of cyber bullying. It is actually
• Encourage adolescents to reach out for help and talk to a trusted person or adult if ever they experience cyber bullying.
• As October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, this will be an opportunity for young people to learn to become safer and secure online. They will be provided tips and tech tools on how to protect accounts and all devices that connect to the internet.

Sources: UNICEF/ bullyingstatistics.org