Advice from Internet Providers in London, Ontario on Recognizing and Combatting Cyberbullying

Today’s kids have a whole other aspect to their social lives that we as adults may not have—an online life. They spend time on smartphones, computers, and tablets interacting in a variety of new ways with other people all around the world. Sometimes these are friends and classmates, and sometimes these are people they are only just meeting. most of the time, these online relationships are harmless, centred around a diverse way of sharing content like music, articles, blogs, and more. But sometimes problems such as cyberbullying arise. There a few steps you can take to make sure that this problem is dealt with with the help of your internet service providers.

What Is Cyberbullying?

Bullying as we used to know it is no longer confined to happening on the schoolyard or playground. When a bully targets your child, it doesn’t stop off when the kids go home for the day; it follows them everywhere. On their phones, in text messages, by email, over Facebook—anywhere that the bully is able to continue harassing them. Instead of looking to the code of conduct of the school, you are dealing with the internet service provider.

Is Your Child Being Cyberbullied? What to Look For:

Although not all children will react the same way to being cyberbullied, there are some key warning signs that you should be on the lookout for:

• Your child has become withdrawn
• They have difficulty sleeping and frequent nightmares
• They avoid social situations, going online, or using their phone
• They suddenly close browser windows or shut down the computer when someone approaches
• They start asking questions about serious and solemn matters such as death or suicide

If you notice any of these signs, take the time to talk to your child about what they are going through and how they feel about it. Catching cyberbullying early is the key to preventing the situation from becoming more severe. If you are able to find visual evidence of bullying, record it by taking screenshots or saving e-mails.

Who Can You Report To?

You can report any cyber bullying to your local London, Ontario internet provider. Not only is cyberbullying a hurtful thing to subject another person to, it also often violates the terms of service of both social media platforms and internet service providers. Go over the terms and conditions to see what constitutes breach of conduct, as well as what can be done.
Consult your internet provider in London, Ontario as well as the social media site to see what they can do to block contact from the cyberbully. You may also contact the local police, particularly if you find evidence of the following:

• Threats of violence
• Soliciting child pornography or sending sexually explicit messages or photos
• Taking a photo or video of your child without consent or in a place where they would expect privacy
• Stalking and harassment
• Hate crimes

Again, if you find evidence of any of these incidents taking place, do not hesitate to contact both your local police and your internet provider in London, Ontario.