• Local Produce
  • Buy Local
  • Local Seafood
  • Local Food
  • Local Music
  • Local Art
  • Local Churches

CAPE CHARLES MIRROR

Reflections on Cape Charles and the Eastern Shore

  • Local Services
  • Local Rentals
  • Local Employment
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Classifieds
  • Pets
  • Contact Us
  • Rant and Rave
  • Asses&Villains

How to Beat a Cyberbully: Here’s How Parents Can Help

November 14, 2021 by 1 Comment

Special to the Mirror, submitted by Ryan Rentschler Public Information | United States Branch of the Jehovah’s Witnesses

While remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic lowered reported instances of bullying, parents fear that, for some students, going back to school will mean going back to being bullied.  

“We are extremely concerned about bullying, especially since children tend to be very trusting,” said Rhonda Montgomery of her family of five in Accomack County, Virginia.

Now 15 years after the inception of National Bullying Prevention Month in October, technology’s ever-greater presence in children’s lives has given bullying a new outlet. With just a click, cyberbullies can taunt, harass and threaten relentlessly, even reaching into the home via cellphone or computer. As a result, victims report feeling hopeless, isolated, and even suicidal. 

What can parents do to protect their kids? Taking an interest in their children’s online world can make a difference, says the National Parent Teacher Association.

This interest does not necessarily require parents to become tech experts. Instead, the federal stopbullying.gov site advises parents to watch for subtle clues that something is wrong, such as their child becoming withdrawn, hiding their screen when others are nearby or reacting emotionally to what’s happening on their device.

For Rhonda and her husband Jason, that has meant being keenly aware of what “normal” looks like for their younger son and daughter, ages 15 and 13.

“We spend a lot of time with our children, and have come to know their distinct personalities. Knowing our children’s moods is very important because we can then discern if something is wrong,” said Jason.

Talking with kids openly — and often — helps too. “The more you talk to your children about bullying, the more comfortable they will be telling you if they see or experience it,” UNICEF says in its online tips for parents.

Now that their children are teenagers, the Montgomerys have found that talking less and listening more works best. “We try to be extremely approachable; the children know they can come to us,” said Jason.

Beyond talking, listening and observing their kids, parents shouldn’t be afraid to make and enforce rules for online activities, experts say.

The Montgomery children are allowed to use electronic devices, but are expected to respect the parental controls and time limits that are in place. “We reassure the children that we’re not being nosy, but that people are not always what they appear to be. We help them understand that we are just trying to protect them,” said Rhonda.

The family cited the tips and reminders they’ve considered together with their kids from free resources available on jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The Montgomery’s son especially recommended one of the site’s short animated videos, “Beat a Bully Without Using Your Fists.”

“I really like the whiteboard animations, which are very relatable,” he said. “They don’t pull any punches when giving advice; the information is plain and simple.”

Filed Under: Bottom, News

Comments

  1. Ray Otton says

    November 14, 2021 at 10:47 am

    Irony can be so damn ironic.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Join the Conversation!

Send letters, opinion, goings on or photos to capecharlesmirror@gmail.com

Mirrors

Recent Comments

  • Paul Plante on Cape Charles Businesses Rock the Best of Virginia Readers Survey
  • bd on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • Stuart Bell on Asses&Villains: Roe vs. Wade Edition
  • Stuart Bell on Asses&Villains: Roe vs. Wade Edition
  • Christine Parks on Virginia to Receive More Than $20 Billion for Bridge Replacement Program, Appalachian Development Highway System
  • Doug Luther on Cape Charles Businesses Rock the Best of Virginia Readers Survey
  • Blue Hoss on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • DJ Stupid Birthday on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • Jacob on Asses&Villains: Baby Formula edition
  • Paul Plante on Asses&Villains: Baby Formula edition
  • Steve on Virginia to Receive More Than $20 Billion for Bridge Replacement Program, Appalachian Development Highway System
  • Paul Plante on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • Paul Plante on Asses&Villains: Baby Formula edition
  • Paul Plante on Asses&Villains: Roe vs. Wade Edition
  • Hank Mayer on Virginia to Receive More Than $20 Billion for Bridge Replacement Program, Appalachian Development Highway System
  • Brand on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • Daniel Burke on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • Jason on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • Brian Collins on Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will monitor Rockfish every year
  • Bob on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?

Trending Now

  • Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • List Of Clinton Associates Who Allegedly Died Mysteriously Or Committed Suicide Before Testimony
  • Cape Charles Police Stats for April 2022
  • Central Park Concert Calendar 2022
  • Op-Ed: Compare George Orwell's 1984 to Society Today
  • Cape Charles Businesses Rock the Best of Virginia Readers Survey
  • Virginia to Receive More Than $20 Billion for Bridge Replacement Program, Appalachian Development Highway System
  • Letter: Removal of Tourist Cottages Northampton County Zoning Ordinance
  • Virginia's Recreational Fishing Regulations For Marine Waters
  • Join CBES for the Picnic at the Barn

Subscribe to CC Mirror via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe

Copyright © 2022 · News Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...