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Technological advances come with a lot of pros and cons as it provides a way for people to be anonymously harassed. Overexposure to smartphone or internet usage can lead to falling prey to cyberbullying. Children are easy targets for the cyberbullies as they use technology in a different manner than adults. Plus, many children are unwilling to report the same to a teacher or parent. It often happens because they are afraid, feel ashamed of the social stigma or fear that their technological privileges will be taken away. This, in turn, leave them at a greater risk for anxiety, depression, various stress-related disorders etc. It can also prove fatal as per some rare but highly publicized cases where kids have comitted suicide.

So, what can be the probable signs of Cyberbullying?

Probable signs of cyberbullying may vary, but mostly include the following:

• emotionally down during or after using the internet or a smartphone
• very private or protective of his/her digital life
• withdrawal syndrome kicks in
• slipping grades and is angry for no particular reason
• changes in mood, behaviour, sleeping patterns or appetite
• willing to stop using the computer or smartphone
• avoiding discussions about computer or digital activities

How can teachers help in such a situation?

Teachers or school counsellors have a bigger role to play as addressed by most of the studies on the ways to handle cyberbullying.

• notice any slight changes in a learner’s behaviour
• arranging programs to educate on cyberbullying in schools
• conduct workshops/presentations
• conduct group sessions with parents
• teach impulse control skills, anger management skills and ways to appropriately express feelings
• assist in prevention and intervention efforts through teaching
• helping schools to develop a plan that is tailored to meet their needs

This calls for a counselling training for teachers where they get an in-depth knowledge and will be armed with various methods to help students.