Understanding and Preventing Teen Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying—the deliberate use of digital platforms to inflict harm through harassment, intimidation or humiliation—has become a pressing concern for families of children and teenagers. The nature of social media and online communication implies a false sense of security and absence of consequences for those who wish to hurt others. Any adult who observes their own social media feed can see for themselves how these platforms foster, even encourage, users attacking each other for and with their opinions, insults and hate speech, often behind a shroud of aliases or anonymity. There are countless examples of these behaviors having very negative, if not violent, consequences for teens and young adults, making it imperative for families and educators to adopt proactive measures to prevent and address cyberbullying. These behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Posting rumors on social media.
• Sharing embarrassing pictures or videos online.
• Sharing someone else's private information online (doxing).
• Making threats against someone online.
• Creating fake accounts and posting information to embarrass someone.

Recognizing the Signs of Cyberbullying

Teens experiencing cyberbullying may exhibit various behavioral changes, including:

• Emotional Distress: Increased anxiety, depression, or irritability (Kowalski, Giumetti, Schroeder, & Lattanner, 2014).

• Social Withdrawal: Avoidance of social interactions or activities once enjoyed (Hinduja & Patchin, 2018).

• Academic Decline: A sudden drop in grades or disinterest in schoolwork (Tokunaga, 2010).

• Secrecy About Online Activities: Reluctance to share information about their digital interactions or devices (Patchin & Hinduja, 2012).
   

Strategies for Preventing Cyberbullying

1. Digital citizenship: Understanding what constitutes cyberbullying and its potential consequences is the first step toward prevention. Engage in open discussions with friends, classmates, parents, and educators about online behaviors and the importance of digital respect. Educational programs that focus on digital citizenship can instill values of empathy, respect, and responsible online conduct (Willard, 2007). Does your teen’s school provide education on digital citizenship? 
2. Protect Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing personal details such as addresses, phone numbers, and passwords online. Adjust privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can view your (children’s/teen’s) information and posts. Regularly update passwords and avoid sharing them with friends to maintain account security (Ybarra & Mitchell, 2004).
3. Think Before You Post: Remember that once something is shared online, it can be challenging to remove completely. Avoid posting content that could be used to harm or embarrass yourself or others. Encourage children and teens to follow the same cautious approach (Hinduja & Patchin, 2018).
4. Avoid Unidentified or Unsolicited Messages: Refrain from opening emails, texts, or messages from unknown sources, as they may contain harmful content or viruses. Delete such messages without engaging (Livingstone, Haddon, Gorzig, & Olafsson, 2011).
5. Document and Report Incidents: If you or your child/teen encounter cyberbullying, keep records of the incidents, including screenshots and timestamps. Report the behavior to trusted adults, school authorities, or directly to the platform where the bullying occurred. Many social media sites have mechanisms for reporting abusive content (StopBullying.gov, 2022).
6. Support Others: If you witness someone being cyberbullied, offer your support. Encourage them to speak with a trusted adult and report the behavior. Standing together against bullies can diminish their influence and help create a safer online environment (Cyberbullying Research Center, 2021).
7. Foster Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with parents, guardians, or mentors about your online experiences. Feeling comfortable discussing digital interactions can provide a safety net if issues arise (American Psychological Association, 2020).
   
    

The Role of Parents and Educators

Parents and educators play a crucial role in preventing and addressing cyberbullying:

• Monitor Online Activity: While respecting privacy, be aware of the platforms and apps teens are using. Familiarize yourself with the features and potential risks of these platforms (Ybarra & Mitchell, 2004).
   
• Set Clear Expectations: Establish and communicate rules regarding appropriate online behavior and the consequences of engaging in cyberbullying (Willard, 2007).
   
• Provide Resources: Share information about organizations and support systems available for those affected by cyberbullying. For instance, StopBullying.gov offers resources for getting help (StopBullying.gov, 2022).
   
• Encourage Empathy and Respect: Promote programs that teach empathy, respect, and conflict resolution skills, which can reduce instances of bullying (Hinduja & Patchin, 2018). 
• Encourage in-person social activities among like-minded peers: your local YMCA provides opportunities and programs to support the physical, mental and social wellness of teens and adolescents. River Crossing YMCA offers free branch membership to all seventh graders in Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties in PA, and Hunterdon County in NJ. RCY also offers the free, donor-supported teen Pathway programs Empower U (for girls) and Stand Up (for boys), which are open to the community, and do not require YMCA membership to participate. The YMCA also offers older teens healthy and productive job opportunities such as lifeguarding or serving as a summer camp counselor. For youth and teens who love gaming, the YMCA branches in Doylestown, Warminster and Fairless Hills offer the vibrant Metro Esports gaming lounges, where gamers can be together for high-tech computer and console competition within the safe environment of the Y. Metro Esports also offers summer camps, tournament play and day-off-school camps, which teach healthy online behaviors, as well as science, tech, engineering, art and mathematical (STEAM) learning. Providing a socially safe, high-tech environment for youth to engage in their passion for gaming draws them out of isolation, teaching new skills both technological and social. 
  
   

Preventing teen cyberbullying requires a collective effort from individuals, families, schools, and communities. By educating ourselves, fostering open communication, and promoting a culture of respect and empathy, we can create a safer online environment for everyone. Our actions online have real-world consequences—choose kindness and stand against cyberbullying.

Andrew Yannarella is Snr. VP of operations of the Lower Bucks Lower Bucks Region of River Crossing YMCA and program leader of the free, donor-supported Stand Up Pathway program for teen boys.

Abii Carter is director of staff engagement and development of River Crossing YMCA and program leader of the free, donor-supported Empower U Pathway program for teen girls.

References:

• American Psychological Association. (2020). Cyberbullying and Online Social Media. Retrieved from www.apa.org 
• Cyberbullying Research Center. (2021). Preventing Cyberbullying: Top Ten Tips for Teens. Retrieved from www.cyberbullying.org 
• Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2018). Cyberbullying: Identification, Prevention, and Response. Cyberbullying Research Center. 
• Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2014). Bullying in the Digital Age: A Critical Review and Meta-Analysis of Cyberbullying Research. Psychological Bulletin, 140(4), 1073-1137. 
• Livingstone, S., Haddon, L., Gorzig, A., & Olafsson, K. (2011). Risks and safety on the internet: The perspective of European children. LSE Research Online. 
• Patchin, J. W., & Hinduja, S. (2012). Cyberbullying Prevention and Response: Expert Perspectives. Routledge. 
• StopBullying.gov. (2022). Cyberbullying Prevention. Retrieved from www.stopbullying.gov 
• Tokunaga, R. S. (2010). Following you home from school: A critical review and synthesis of research on cyberbullying victimization. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(3), 277-287. 
• Willard, N. (2007). Cyber-Safe Kids, Cyber-Savvy Teens: Helping Young People Learn to Use the Internet Safely and Responsibly. Wiley. 
• Ybarra, M. L., & Mitchell, K. J. (2004). Online aggressor/targets, aggressors, and targets: A comparison of associated youth characteristics. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 45(7), 1308-1316.