The popularity of the internet and social media sites has meant bullies are finding new ways to emotionally and physically distress other children, making it harder for parents to spot it. Cyber-bullying is a form of bullying utilising the internet and mobile phones.
Surveys have revealed that girls are ‘sneakier’ than boys in the way they misbehave. They are also more adept at using modern social media such as Facebook to bully their fellow pupils, harnessing techniques to bully fellow pupils below the radar of authorities.
How can parents spot cyber-bullying? Feeling increasingly withdrawn, anxious and stressed, avoiding going to school, mood swings, excluding themselves from group activities, anxiety, tearfulness, sleeplessness, a lack of confidence are all indications of bullying.
Your child may not want to admit they are being bullied. They can, however, talk to their tutor about problems they might be having at school. This is someone who can hear their problems and are able to relate to what they are going through. By successfully completing work with their tutor, students are generally left feeling a great sense of achievement and positive about their work and life and may open up about any social issues such as bullying as well as anxiety about performing well at school.
“Just talking to someone about what they are going through is so important. It’s in confidence too, they don’t feel like that are ‘telling’ on anyone,’’ says Tutor Doctor, Carmel O’Brien.
Contact Carmel on 087 967 9596, email [email protected]
