Whether you have a faith or not, you can’t help but agree with the words of John 13:35. “A new commandment I give to you: Love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another”.

It probably comes as no surprise that a lot of social media bullying happens after school hours but ends up coming into the school grounds, sometimes creating disagreements or even fights. No school is exempt from this modern day technology grinch that comes into our homes and schools.

So what can parents and schools do to do support our children with using social media appropriately; where it can be a great way to catch up or even compliment others on what they have achieved?

I encourage you as parents to openly discuss with your child what cyberbullying is as well as how to protect from the dangers involved in using social media. Our children need to be able to protect themselves as we can’t always be there to do it for them. Cyberbullying is classed as using technology to harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person. The effects can lead to anxiety, depression and in some cases, suicide. Teach your child the importance of not replying to messages, deleting apps that are inappropriate as well as content that is not useful to building strong relationships.

Signs and symptoms of young people experiencing cyberbullying can include:

Being upset emotionally after using technology.
A change in usual mood.
Mood swings.
Not wanting to go to school.
Appearing nervous – especially when texts or IM messages come in.
Being quick to anger.
Appearing to hide things from adults.
Being teary for no reason.
Dropping grades.
A lack of communication to their loved ones.

If you see any of these signs, have a discussion with your child and offer them support, letting them know you are there for them.

School will often see a change in your child as well. Working together creates a safer environment at school for your child as our teachers will be able to support them better.

Below is a list of ideas to help you on your journey:

Monitor the use of devices.
Have your child leave devices on the kitchen table at night – or a charging area.
Be part of your child’s social media pages so you can monitor what they are experiencing.
Make up a device contract with your child.
Turn off the internet at night.
Check content – if there are negative messages – block the person.
Educate your child on how to use social media appropriately.
Be open with your child – don’t judge them but help them understand how to succeed with social media.
Check your child’s history to see if they are staying safe.

Ed Moroni — Secondary Coordinator