If your child is experiencing cyberstalking, there are some ways to keep him or her safe. If you see signs of cyberstalking, take the appropriate precautions. If you suspect your child is being followed or harassed, you should seek help from a trusted family member. Never engage in conversation with a cyberstalker, as this can make matters worse. In addition to stealing your identity, cyberstalkers may also be tracking your location.
Make sure your child has a strong line of communication with you. You can provide details about websites visited, social network accounts used, and content accessed. If your child understands technology better than you do, you should help them avoid exposing themselves to online dangers. To help your child navigate the digital world, ZDNet has compiled a guide to keep kids safe. Make sure your child types in login information and isn’t tempted to click on suspicious links.
Talk about the risks of cyberbullying and explain to your child what will happen if they engage in this behavior. While some kids may think that their online accounts are anonymous, cyberbullying can have real-world consequences, such as their school career or future job prospects. You should also provide them with resources on cyberbullying and safe social media. You can even read Maryville University’s guide on social media safety. Cyberstalking is a growing concern, and it’s important for you to stay informed.
When your child discloses an incident to you, be sure to be candid. You can discuss the risks of cyberbullying and what signs indicate that your child might be dealing with the wrong company. Another good way to keep a close eye on your child is to set aside a few minutes daily to take note of what happens to him or her. Look for clues that indicate trouble ahead, and act accordingly. These tips are only a start.
Make sure your child’s social media accounts are secure. Be aware of their privacy settings and don’t overshare on social media. Teach them not to engage with unknown profiles and to not like, comment, or privately message them. Additionally, set strict privacy settings for social media accounts and smartphones. Your child’s photos, friends list, and personal information should be secure. You should make sure that the people they’re engaged with don’t know they are underage.
As well as the online harassment and threats, cyberstalking also has a negative effect on the victim’s life. It can lead to a lack of sleep, difficulty concentrating, and weight gain. Further, cyberstalkers may use their victims’ location to stalk them physically. Their obsession may even lead them to consider harming themselves. And if that doesn’t seem bad enough, cyberstalkers may also engage in cyberbullying. This includes sending harassing messages, spreading rumors, and posting embarrassing photos.
Parents of children and teens should understand the risks of cyberbullying. Although one in ten young people will report cyberbullying to a trusted adult, the number of reported cases is much lower. The reasons include embarrassment, fear of being believed, and loss of access to technology. However, if you are able to help your child or teenager when they are feeling intimidated, they are more likely to seek help.
The following strategies can help parents to protect their children from cyberbullying. First, they should understand what constitutes “masquerading.” A masquerader impersonates another person and posts inappropriate content under another person’s name to amuse themselves. This can also include fraping – the practice of posting inappropriate content under someone’s name. It’s a way of hurting the reputation of the person and may get them into trouble with their friends and family.
Second, parents should avoid engaging with cyberbullies. Responding to abusive messages will only intensify the bullying and will not help your child. By blocking the offending person, you can prevent them from contacting your child. In some cases, the bully may even create other accounts and recruit their friends to join their scheme. It’s critical to document cyberbullying as soon as it occurs. If your child is able to document it, you can use it as evidence with the police, employer, or school district.