Social Media Fans the flames of bullying

I read this article and thought all parents/grandparents need to know.

               Parental involvement can be key to controlling the burn

Franciscan Health experts agree it is among the most prevalent challenges youngsters face and one of which parents need to be aware and help to prevent. It also is one the experts see all too often and deal with in their young clients, patients and family members. 

"Cyberbullying and bullying in general are at the top of the list, more so with middle school kids, because of the computer and phone access. Everybody knows their business - nothing is kept private." said Katrina Miller, a longtime clinical therapist 

"Online everybody sees it: it's not just between them and the bully. Middle school school kids can be really hurtful and the kid being taunted doesn't know how to handle it." she added. 

Children and young adults often don't report the problem, fearing being labeled a snitch, which could make things worse since it causes the victim further anxiety and hurt that can lead to serious consequences, even suicide, she said. 

It's really important for parents to educate their children about the dangers of the Internet" Miller said. " Once something is out there you can't get rid of it. Parents have to be more intuitive about what their kids are doing and more involved. They need to be aware of the sites the kids are visiting and who they're chatting with." They can do that by emulating what she has done with her two teens. "Get their passwords or don't let them have the electronic devices." So called helicopter parents, those who hover too closely over their children's activities and make them feel smothered or not trusted, can present the opposite problem.  

"That can create rebellious behavior. We need to find a balance with the kids. There have to be boundaries and rules and they have to know there will be consequences if those aren't followed. Still, we can't be overbearing." Miller said. 

Bullying is an age-old problem that remains alive and all too well today with a new and often dangerous component - the Internet. 

From Focus On Your Health. Franciscan Health.......

Mama McNabb