[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”2px||4px|2%|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” module_alignment_tablet=”” module_alignment_phone=”center” module_alignment_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Emily Lawrenson” position=”Qustodio writer” image_url=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/11\/09185059\/Emily.png” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||24px|7px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” position_text_align_tablet=”” position_text_align_phone=”center” position_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/10\/19102522\/Online-trolls-and-cyberbullies_header.jpg” alt=”Online trolls and cyberbullies what’s the difference” title_text=”Online trolls and cyberbullies_header” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||24px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Do your kids use social media? Do they talk to their friends and classmates every day online? Chances are, if you\u2019re a parent in today\u2019s world, the answers to these questions are – rather obviously – \u201cYes!\u201d While the world of social media is helping kids to connect with their friends and foster the relationships they crave, it\u2019s also opening children up to less positive interactions, like<\/span> internet abuse, <\/b>online trolls and cyberbullies<\/b>.<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While both trolling and cyberbullying are forms of online conflict and abuse, they do have some subtle distinctions. To help your child navigate their online interactions, and help you educate them on their digital experiences, let\u2019s take a closer look at <\/span>the<\/b> difference between cyberbullying and online trolling<\/b>. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Sadly, bullying is nothing new, but cyberbullying, where victims are targeted through online platforms such as private messaging, social networks, and public comment sections, is a more recent phenomenon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Cyberbullying can include sending hurtful messages or content, posting false or mean content online about a specific person, or sharing personal information which makes the victim feel sad or embarrassed. <\/span>Cyberbullying can occur anywhere online<\/b>, but it\u2019s most commonly experienced over <\/span>social media and messaging apps<\/span><\/a>, such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When users deliberately post content or comments designed to cause a negative reaction, such as an argument, conflict, or hostility towards others, this is <\/span>online trolling<\/span><\/a>. Think of trolling as \u201cfuelling the fire\u201d. <\/span>Those who engage in online trolling seek attention<\/b>, but instead of through positive action, they gain it through negative behavior. They enjoy the negative reaction or suffering that this behavior triggers. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/10\/19103341\/Online-trolls-and-cyberbullies_inside.jpg” alt=”What’s the difference between online trolls and cyberbullies” title_text=”Online trolls and cyberbullies_inside” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While these two behaviors might sound similar, the difference is largely intent. <\/span>Internet trolls usually seek a reaction in general<\/b> – it doesn\u2019t matter who from, so they often don\u2019t know their victims personally. Because online interactions often allow people to be anonymous, this means anyone can troll on the internet, with relatively little chance of consequence.<\/span><\/p>\n Cyberbullying, on the other hand, is usually more personal. <\/span>Cyberbullies often know their victims<\/b>, and the online abuse is often targeted and repeated, just like bullying in the real world. This abuse could be shared for others to see, such as through Twitter or Instagram posts, comments on shared pictures on Facebook, or even blog posts written about the victim. However, it also could be through more private channels, such as direct messaging, or email. This can make cyberbullying more difficult to detect. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Being proactive instead of reactive<\/b> when it comes to the internet will <\/span>help your child to<\/b> manage online trolls<\/b> and arm them with the best tools they have available. Trolling has become a part of \u201cnormal\u201d internet life, so it\u2019s something they are bound to come across. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Useful tips to help your child respond to online trolling:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n If you want to limit engagement on social media to help reduce exposure time<\/b> and give your child a break from online communication, using an app monitoring tool<\/a> can help. Parental control<\/a> tools like Qustodio allow you to block social networks entirely<\/b>, or set time limits so your child can access at certain times of day<\/b>. This means you are able to give your child the time on social media they enjoy while you are at home with them, where you can discuss online interactions if you sense there is a problem, or if they come to you for advice. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n It can be very difficult to approach your child when it comes to talking about something that affects them – or even which affects others. As much as you might not want to accept it, your child could also be the person engaging in cyberbullying themselves. That\u2019s why it\u2019s always important to <\/span>have an ongoing, open conversation with your child about online abuse<\/b> and how to be a good digital citizen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when <\/span>talking to your child about cyberbullying<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n 1. Remind your child that they\u2019re safe with you<\/b> – family conversations are a space where they won\u2019t feel judged. This can help them to open up and be honest. It\u2019s important that they understand that it\u2019s their right to be safe online, and they deserve to enjoy their social time on the internet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Share bullying experiences<\/b> from when you were younger, if you had them, or relevant stories from people you know personally, to make your child feel they are not alone. This could also encourage them to relate their own experiences to you.<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Instead of asking them to show you messages or social media profiles, ask them to <\/span>show you how they use social media<\/b> to interact with friends online, so you can understand the technology better. They might love to give you the teaching moment for once!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 4. Help your child to empathize<\/b>, by asking emotive questions about online bullying. \u201cHow would you feel if someone were sending you nasty messages online?\u201d \u201cIf someone was leaving mean comments on your friend\u2019s Instagram pictures, who would you tell them to talk to?\u201d This can help them to vocally express their emotions, while also giving them hypothetical scenarios that they could easily apply in real life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re worried that your child is being cyberbullied<\/a>, you can also make use of monitoring tools that can help to detect suspicious behaviour. With Qustodio\u2019s <\/span>calls and SMS monitoring<\/span><\/a> feature, you can <\/span>reduce your child\u2019s exposure to abusive and harmful private messages<\/b>, and numbers can be outright blocked so you stop the cyberbully in their tracks. While monitoring features may make your child feel like they are losing part of their privacy, you can remind them that you are looking out for their safety and explain which tools you use as a family to achieve this.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\nWhat is cyberbullying?<\/h2>\n
What is trolling?<\/h2>\n
What’s the difference between online trolls and cyberbullies?<\/h2>\n
How can I help my child to manage online trolling?<\/h2>\n
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How to encourage your child to talk to you about cyberbullying<\/h2>\n