Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
I am proud to see kind words being shared among students within RCC. Harsh words are not frequently spoken. However, they do occur whether this be with a fellow student from RCC or from another school, particularly when it comes to cyberspace. When we are on holidays we find there is a decrease in online bullying. Being back into another term it is important we know the signs and how to manage it so we can finish up our year as peacefully as possible. What to do if your child is being cyberbullied:
1. Try to resist immediately taking away their device. Cutting off their online access does not teach them about online safety or help build resilience.
2. Stay calm and open — don’t panic
You want your child to feel confident that you’re not immediately going to get upset, angry or anxious if they tell you about the situation. Have an open dialogue.
3. Listen, think, pause and gauge the scale of the problem.
Should this be reported or ignored, to empower your student to rise above?
4. Encourage positive connections and coping strategies
This can include outside sport and activities and having friends over.
5. Empower your child
Wherever possible, try to build your child’s confidence and help them make wise decisions for themselves, rather than telling them what to do.
Below is a link to the Australian governments website for managing eSafety. I hope you gain at least one strategy that can help us with the challenges of cyberbullying.
Warm regards
Lorin RipleySchool Counsellor
