Teaching children kindness, compassion and empathy are all imperative for preventing online bullying. Learn more about online bullying and what to do if your child is being bullied.
This Online Bullying post was sponsored by Google in partnership with the Forward Influence Network. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #BeInternetAwesome #ItsCoolToBeKind #ad
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Parenting is so very hard. As our children grow older, their problems can grow bigger, too. I'll admit that I heavily limit and monitor my kids' online activities because it's the easiest way to keep them "safe" physically and emotionally.
With my son now in middle school, the dynamics of being online are changing whether I like it or not! Today, I am going to share with you some tips I've researched and information I've learned that I think other parents will find helpful.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month and I am excited to participate in Google's Be Internet Awesome movement. I think it is SO important for parents to teach their children the importance of Internet Safety and how to deal with online bullying.
Throughout the month of October, the Be Internet Awesome campaign is sharing positive messages across their communications to emphasize that the "golden rule" is just as significant online as it is "IRL".
The internet can be a truly great place to learn when comments, conversations, and content are positive. BIA will help students and families see how to make choices that disempower bullying behavior and create healthy, productive spaces to interact.
Be Internet Awesome has five areas of Internet awesomeness:
- SMART: Where we learn to share with care
- ALERT: Where we learn not to fall for fake
- STRONG: Where we learn how to secure Our digital stuff
- KIND: Where we learn that itʼs cool to be kind
- BRAVE: Where we learn that, when in doubt, we talk it out
Learn more about how to Be Internet Awesome at g.co/BeInternetAwesome and tell your kids’ teachers about the online curriculum so they can introduce these activities in the classroom.
Teaching Kindness & Empathy
From the time our children are tiny tote, they are already learning by watching the people around them. It's important to teach kids #ItsCoolToBeKind. Here are some ways you can teach your children kindness and empathy.
- Model kind behavior toward others.
- Teach kids how their behavior affects others.
- Demonstrate how helping others brings them happiness.
These three tips may seem simple, but when you boil it right down, kindness is all about treating others as you want to be treated.
Facts About Online Bullying
- 28% of students have experienced bullying personally.
- 71% of students have witnessed bullying directly.
- Only 25% of students notify adults about bullying.
- Over 50% of parents are concerned about their child being bullied
What should I do if my kid is bullied online?
- Start by reassuring your child that you love and support him or her.
- Be sure to block the bully. Then, have your child take a break from the computer or device.
- If you can identify the bully, consider talking with the parents.
- It is important to contact your kid's school. If bullying is happening online, it might be happening offline, too.
- Empower your kid with specific steps he or she can take.
Ways to Teach Kids About #BeInternetAwesome
- Play Interland with your kids and put your kindness skills to the test at g.co/KindKingdom
- Learn more about how to Be Internet Awesome at g.co/BeInternetAwesome and tell your kids’ teachers about the online curriculum so they can introduce these activities in the classroom.
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