The new playground is the internet. Texting, tweeting, facebooking, web-surfing, emailing and social networking are the cyber toys of the so-called ING (Internet Next Generation). Like their parents, this generation must contend with playground bullies. A cyberbully, shrouded in a web of obscurity can taunt and threaten a child from afar. Often, a child will not even know the name of their tormentor. This anonymity spares the bully any parental repercussions for their dreadful behavior. The victim's parents may feel helpless because they have no recourse or tools to protect their child online.
Occurrences of cyberbullying have surpassed internet-related child sex crimes. The problem is the most frequent threat a child faces online. All episodes of cyberbullying are serious. Dismissing them as inconsequential could have grim consequences that include shunning by peers, depression, dropping grades, school truancy, suicidal ideation and even suicide.
Parental software may assist a parent with a child's internet safety. The software can filter or block a cyberbully's text messages, instant messages and email exchanges. Our top applications in this category are WebWatcher and Profil Parental Filter 2. Documenting a cyber-bully's taunts and threats is also possible with parental software. For an objective side-by-side comparison of these types of applications, please visit our parental software review site.
Many apps come equipped with the capability of taking screenshots. Whenever a child views or types a pre-designated threatening keyword or key-phrase, the application automatically generates an email that notifies the parent of a potential problem. Coupled with screenshots, the app's features work together to protect a child from cyberbullies and internet pedophiles.
Purchasing parental software is only one of the steps a parent can take to protect their child from cyberbullies. Children also need parental instruction regarding how to respond to the cyberbully's taunts and torments.
"Ignore them!" was the advice given a generation ago. That wisdom is sound and still applies today. Most email apps can block unwanted email. Once an email address is blocked, the child will receive no email messages from the blocked address. Additionally, most email apps allow a user to block emails that contain specific words in the body of the communication and subject headings. With blocking, the child is unaware of the bully's taunts or threats.
Some chat and instant-messaging apps can ignore communication from designated usernames, IP addresses, subnets and more. Often, right clicking on a bully's name and selecting the Block or Ignore option ends a bully's ability to taunt a child. Sometimes, a cyberbully will move on to a new target if his or her taunts receive no rewarding response.
Despite all efforts to ignore them, some cyberbullies will persist in their attempts to terrorize, torment and threaten a child. When this occurs, parents should consult with teachers and other school officials. If the problem presents a physical threat to the child, local police departments can help trace down the cyberbully.
Parental software may also help a parent discern if their child is the cyberbully and terrorizing other children. This identification can assist both the bully and their victim.
Often, parent-administered consequences and talking with the child will end the noxious behavior. Should a child require more intervention, many schools and community mental health facilities provide professional counseling services for cyberbullying.
At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don't Have To.
0 comments:
Post a Comment