Ways to help youngsters affected by cyberbullying as numbers rise | #childpredator | #kidsaftey | #childsaftey

BERLIN: Cyberbullying among children and adolescents is on the rise in many places, making it crucial to provide support for those affected.One in five youngsters in Germany say they have been targeted online, according to a new study.Online bullying, also known as cyberbullying, is a pressing issue that can have severe emotional and mental health consequences, says Britain’s National Health Service (NHS).In today’s digital age, where social media and online interactions are prevalent, cyberbullying can be particularly distressing.Young people are often vulnerable to this form of bullying, which can take forms including hurtful comments, spreading rumours, sharing embarrassing photos or videos and even impersonation.”Cyberbullying can be a trigger for emotional health issues like anxiety, depression and low self-esteem,” the NHS says.The constant exposure to hurtful messages or online harassment can lead to feelings of isolation, humiliation and a sense of helplessness.”It’s essential to understand that cyberbullying is unacceptable, and no one should suffer in silence.”If you or someone you know is a victim of cyberbullying, it’s important to take action.Cyberbullying: What to doThe NHS’ tips include:Report the bullying to the platform or social media site where it’s happening.Block or mute the individuals involved to limit your exposure to hurtful content.Talk to a trusted adult, like a parent or teacher, about what you’re experiencing so they can provide guidance and support.It is not always easy to spot the signs of cyberbullying as it can happen all the time.If you are a parent or carer concerned about a youngster and fear they may be struggling online, be alert to changes in yourchild’s behaviour.Signs of bullying onlineHere are some signs to watch for, provided by the British government:Being upset after using the internet or their mobile phone;Unwilling to talk or secretive about their online activities and mobile phone use.Spending much more or much less time texting, gaming or using social media.Many new phone numbers, texts or e-mail addresses show up on their mobile phone, laptop or tablet.After texting or being online they may seem withdrawn, upset or outraged.Not wanting to go to school and/or avoiding meeting friends and school mates.Avoiding formerly enjoyable social situations.Difficulty sleeping.Low self-esteem.More ways you can respondIf you worry your child or youngster is being harassed or bullied online, ask them to give you details.If your child tells you that someone is bothering them online, take it seriously.Offer practical as well as emotional support.Print out the evidence for future reference.Talk to a teacher at your child’s school if other pupils at the schools are involved.Dealing with bullyingBullying in general can be a problem for many youngsters. If your child tells you they are being bullied there are simple steps you should follow for how to respond:Praise your child for telling you about it and remind them that the bully is the one in the wrong and not them.Reassure your child that they were right to talk to you.Listen carefully, letting your child know that you believe them.Sort out the facts slowly and calmly with your child. Write them down if this will help.Try to involve them in finding a solution. This might help your child to feel empowered and strengthen their ability to cope if this happens again.Mental health under threatIn Germany, the new cyberbullying study says 20.7% of pupils have been the target of such an online attack. That compares a 2024 study when the figure was 18.5%, the Alliance Against Cyberbullying says.That translates to almost 2.4 million young people affected in Germany, according to the organization’s sixth Cyberlife report.The attacks take place mainly via WhatsApp, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, as well as on gaming platforms and chatrooms.The survey defined cyberbullying as the deliberate act of insulting, threatening, humiliating or harassing others via the internet and mobile phone services over a prolonged period of time.Cyberbullying threatens the mental health of an entire generation, said Uwe Leest, chairman of the association and co-author of the study.It starts as early as primary school age, with online attacks, and follows the affected children, adolescents and young adults around the clock and into all areas of their lives.For the representative study, 4,525 children, adolescents and young adults aged 7 to 20 at primary schools, secondary schools and vocational schools were surveyed online between March and July. In addition, 1,100 parents and more than 700 teachers were surveyed. – dpa/Tribune News Service

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