Paying Attention To Social Media
One of the most significant contributions we can make to our grandchildren is to pay close attention to them and what is going on in their lives. If you are on Social Media with them, it offers the additional benefit of paying attention to what is coming their way. The next best thing is to observe what is going on with the platforms they frequently use. The most popular are TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and, for some, Facebook.
The essential contribution is to watch out for anything nefarious on their feeds. As we have just witnessed in Congress, this is the place where bullying and even more severe crimes start. We can function as an early warning system if the rhetoric on their feeds begins to cross the lines from friendly to harmful. Oddly, they will not call this out to their parents, but we must protect them as Grandparents.
Things to be aware of about online bullying, also known as cyberbullying, is that it is a severe issue that can have harmful and lasting consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator. It’s using electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature. It can happen on social media, gaming platforms, messaging apps, forums, and other online spaces.
Here are some critical points about online bullying:
- Forms: It can take many forms, including:
- Sending mean, insulting, or threatening messages
- Spreading rumors or lies
- Sharing embarrassing photos or videos
- Excluding someone from online groups
- Impersonating someone online
- Impact: It can have a devastating effect on the victim, leading to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
- Prevalence: It is a widespread problem, with studies showing that many teens and adults have experienced it.
- Reporting: If you are being cyberbullied, it is essential to report it to the platform where it is happening and to a trusted adult. There are also many resources available to help victims of cyberbullying, including helplines and support groups.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- StopBullying.gov: [https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it]
- Cyberbullying Research Center: [https://cyberbullying.org/]
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Remember, you are not alone.
Some people care about you and want to help.