Written by Lauren James Budhu
You have a break and instead of turning on the TV or grabbing a book, you pick up your phone to do what millions of people do every day: scroll Instagram and Facebook feeds, scan the latest Tweets, and swipe up on the next TikTok. Social media is a place that has revolutionized the way everyone connects. While engaging with others, reading about the latest news, and learning new skills are just a few of the amazing aspects of these platforms, there are some negative aspects to them as well.
Enter online harassment and cyberbullying. It refers to name-calling, belittling and derisive comments targeting certain people online, affecting roughly four-in-ten Americans yearly, according to the Pew Research Center’s State of Online Harassment Report from 2021. A majority– nine-in-ten– see harassment and bullying as a major problem plaguing the digital world.
The main targets of online bullying are young adults aged 18-26, particularly those who identify as women, people of color, LGBTQ+, and as members of ethnic or religious minorities. This abuse challenges people’s livelihoods, undermines equity and inclusion, and clouds free speech. It also can lead to offline violence, even putting lives at risk. That’s because threats and disparaging comments often go unnoticed or are not taken seriously.
However, cyberbullying is not a lost cause. There are things to do to protect your kiddos and protect yourself. Most social media platforms offer special tools that allow restrictions on who can comment or view posts, and provide forms to easily report cases of bullying. These social media companies also offer educational tools and guidance for parents, children, and teachers to learn about risks and ways to stay safe online.
Something else to consider is how you play a role in it. The first line of defense against cyberbullying could be you. Think about where it might happen in your community and ways you can help– by raising your voice, calling out these bullies, reaching out to other adults, or creating awareness around this issue. It’s important to never engage with malicious content, but if you see something, say something. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone hurting online (via private message, email or text).
Another thing you can do is limit your sharing online. Not everything you do needs to be documented on your networks all the time, which includes talking about a fight with your spouse or sexting online. Remember that everything said online could ultimately become public at some point.
Lastly, know when to take a digital break. Many people have decided to part ways with social media for a moment to decompress and try to connect with others close to them. It usually makes a difference and can help one have more empathy for those online. Find more resources and training at PEN America.
If you are worried about your safety or something has happened to you or your child online, reach out to another trusted adult or call a special free helpline to talk to someone anonymously here.
