Instagram: Cyberbullying on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms: Tips to keep your kids safe

Cyber attacks targeting children have become an alarming concern in today’s digital age. As young individuals increasingly access the internet and various online platforms, they become vulnerable targets for cybercriminals. These attacks encompass a wide range of threats, from online harassment and cyberbullying to more severe issues such as identity theft and exploitation.
Cyberbullying is a form of harassment that includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else.It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation.
To mitigate these threats, it’s crucial for parents and guardians to educate children about online safety. Here are some of the safety tips which will help parents to protect their children from cyberbullying.
Safety tips to keep in mind
– Review your social media privacy settings and restrict to family and known friends. Educate children about password safety.
– Check their social media accounts and keep track of it.
– Ensure they don’t share easily identifiable information like trackable location. Stop regular engagement on social media.
– Do not accept “Friend Requests” from strangers on social media. When bullied, log off the site, save the chat/ messages/ e-mail, and inform your parents/ teachers/ elders whom you trust.
– Don’t respond. Block the e-mail /messages.
– Think well before sharing online. Make use of privacy settings and control the posts you do online.
– Never share your password. Even your friends may misuse your password.
– Being kind to others online will help to keep you safe.
– Talk to an adult you trust, about any messages/posts you get online. They can help you to get rid of the bullying.