AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – One in four kids face online bullying every month, according to the National Children’s Alliance.
Experts with The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center say parents should be aware of what’s on their kids’ phones.
“I think mainly for cyberbullying, it’s in group chats and on social media,” said Sarahbeth Cook with The Bridge.
Unlike playground bullying, cyberbullying follows kids home.
“I think we’re very desensitized to online interactions because I don’t have to look you in the face and say these things to you,” said Courtney Ma with The Bridge.
Warning signs parents should watch out for
Parents can spot warning signs in their kids.
“If kids are very secretive about what’s on their phone, changing passwords, hiding apps, a lot of parents don’t know that you can change the app icon on their phone. In reality, it’s a different app that they have,” said Cook. “And they have multiple accounts. Parents need to know they can make multiple accounts on Instagram and TikTok to hide the reality of what they’re doing on their phones.”
If your teen has is cyberbullied, they can experience depression, anxiety and have difficulty focusing in school.
“You can take away their phone. And it’s for their mental health, it’s for their well-being and safety. They need someone to take away that constant access that they have with these people,” said Ma.
If you believe your child has experienced cyberbullying, there is help available.
The National Children’s Alliance has resources for parents and teens on how to stop and report cyberbullying.
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