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Social Media and Cyber Bullying
Today, 7 in 10 Americans use social media to connect with one another, engage with news content, share information and entertain themselves (Pew Research Center 2018). The widespread usage of social media comes with a variety of positive benefits. However, it is also important to consider the potential negative impact it has on today’s youth. According to a recent Patchin study, approximately 34% of students have reported experiencing cyber bullying during their lifetime.
As Everyday Mentors, we are in the position to help create safe environments where young people feel comfortable talking with an adult about problems they may be experiencing on or offline. Some warning signs to look for in a child who has been affected by cyber bullying are:
- Avoidance of social situations
- Loss of interest in people or activities
- A significant increase or decrease in device usage
- Hiding of device when people are near
- Being overly concerned about popularity
No child should have to deal with these issues on their own. Consider these tips when working with a young person who you believe may be affected by cyber bullying:
- Ask age appropriate, open-ended questions
- Listen empathetically and without judgment
- Speak with a parent or guardian about your concerns
- Encourage social awareness and teach self-management techniques
For more resources and information on cyber bullying visit www.StopBullying.gov.