SUPPORTING TEENS AGAINST CYBERBULLYING

In this digital age, people of all ages have been drawn into the online world. While this shift has its advantages, it also comes with certain downsides. In Kenya, cyberbullying has become a relatively new form of harassment and has become increasingly common, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, which gave many school-going children access to digital devices and the internet.

Cyberbullying takes several forms. These can be written or verbal abuse and visual attacks, such as sharing someone’s embarrassing or private photos to make a mockery of them. 

Many teenagers are not well-informed on how to handle incidents of cyberbullying, often leading them to make impulsive and harmful decisions that affect their mental and physical well-being. 

As a parent, guardian or caregiver, there are several ways of guiding a teenager and teaching them how to handle their online presence and cyberbullying;

1. Create a safe space for open conversations. Encourage them to speak up about their experiences without fear of judgment or punishment. Also, normalize discussions about online behavior, mental health, and peer pressure and you can use peer-support programs to make it easier for them to open up.

2. Teach and model responsible online behavior, online privacy and recognizing toxic behavior. As you do so, also make sure to teach them about empathy, consent, and respect to others.

3. Empower them to take action by showing them how to block, mute, or report bullies on different platforms. Tell them about the importance of saving evidence (screenshots, messages) for support when it comes to reporting.

Cyberbullying may be a growing challenge, but with awareness, open communication, and support from parents, guardians, teachers, and the community, we can create a safer digital space for everyone. Together, we can empower teens to stand up against online harassment, protect their mental well-being, and build a culture of kindness and respect in the digital age.