Listed below are some points which could be a sign of children being threatened or bullied online :
- Any drastic change in usual behaviour.
- Lack of sleep.
- Loss of appetite.
- Indifference towards activities that previously interested them.
- Trouble concentrating in studies and duties.
- Moodiness, anger, irritability, crying, paranoia, anxiety or fear.
- Excessive secretiveness about online activities and phone calls.
- Nervousness or losing confidence in self.
- Withdrawn or isolated from friends and family.
- Stealing or asking for money without explanation.
- Having new things that were not purchased by you.
- Sexualised talk or behaviour not appropriate for age.
- Sudden change (increase or decrease) in the usual amount of time spent online.
- Having an inappropriate understanding of sex or sexual activities.
- Having a lot of strangers as friends in their social media account.
- Having a new âfriendâ whom they are very secretive about.
- Bullying or shaming others.
- Onset of alcohol or substance abuse.
- Self-harming behaviour or suicidal tendencies.
- Return of old habits like bedwetting or thumb sucking.
- Spending a lot of time on the device, especially at night time and in closed rooms.
- Excessive possessiveness, fear or irritation when someone takes their phone or other devices.
If you observe such signs in your child, do not hastily take away their phone/gadget. Instead, be calm and sit with them to have an open conversation. Let them know that you are there for them and that you will help them through the situation.
Article by : Salma Jennath