Your child was exposed to cyberbullying.
Starting the conversation with your child about cyberbullying can be sensitive
Here are suggestions on how to approach this topic:
“Hey, I wanted to talk to you about something important. I understand that you were exposed to bullying behavior while playing online. I’m sorry to hear that. Can you tell me more about what happened? Was it just part of the game, like things got heated, or did it feel offensive to you?”
Depending on their response, you can ask for more details:
- If they agree that it made them uncomfortable:
- “I’m glad you felt comfortable sharing that with me. Can you tell me who was bullying you? Was it one person or a group? Do you know them in real life, or are they just someone you’ve met online?”
- Ask about the frequency:
- “How often does this happen? Is it every time you log into your game, or is it less frequent? I want to understand how often you’re facing this.”
- Inquire about the type of bullying:
- “Can you describe how the other gamer was bullying you? Were they using hurtful language or excluding you from playing with them?”
- If it’s someone they know:
- “Do you know this gamer? Is it a friend of yours”. “Would you feel comfortable blocking and reporting them? That way, you won’t have to interact with them in the game anymore.”
- If it’s a friend from their school, you should contact the school counselor, or their teacher to get more advice.
Throughout the conversation, it’s crucial to listen actively, validate their feelings, and assure them that you’re there to support them. Cyberbullying can have a significant impact, so it’s essential to address it promptly and provide appropriate guidance.
You can find more information about cyberbullying here.
To learn more about the effects of cyberbullying, click here.