The recent suicide of a 13-year-old girl from Pretoria North has left the nation in shock. It is alleged that the teen was driven to this tragic action after being bullied on a WhatsApp group. Unfortunately, this is far from being an isolated incident, as cyberbullying is on the rise in South Africa. According to a 2018 Ipsos Global Advisor study, SA had the highest occurrence of cyberbullying out of 28 countries. The prevalence of this crime has led 1st for Women insurance to launch the first cyberbullying insurance product in the country.
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‘The costs of addressing cyberbullying can be astronomical, with lawyers charging about R3 000 an hour for consultations alone,’ says Casey Rousseau, senior marketing manager at 1st for Women insurance. ‘Also, in many instances, legal intervention is needed to put a stop to the bullying and bring the perpetrators to justice.’
1st for Women cautions parents to constantly be on the lookout for the warning signs. Take immediate action if your child:
– Appears anxious when participating in online activities, for example receiving messages or having conversations on social media.
– Seems depressed, angry or irritable after being online, or seems depressed in general.
– Displays unusually secretive behaviour, especially with regard to their online activity.
– Avoids conversations about their online activities.
– Abruptly turns off the computer or walks away in mid-use.
– Stops using their devices unexpectedly.
– Oversleeps or is suffering from a lack of sleep.
– Demonstrates changes in their eating patterns.
– Has inexplicable headaches or stomach pain.
– Stops taking part in activities they used to enjoy.
– Is unusually withdrawn from friends and family.
– Makes excuses not to go to school.
When it comes to this hateful crime, prevention is better than cure. In addition to looking out for behavioural changes, here are other ways to stop your child from being a victim:
1. Teach your children how to identify cyberbullying and to never respond to it.
2. Follow your children on social media so you can monitor their online interactions with their peers.
3. If you see something that concerns you, take a screenshot and discuss it with them offline.
4. Always set a good example for them in your own online interactions on social media.
PHOTO: iStock/Daisy-Daisy
