Online bullying affects both male and female students, yet the ways in which they defend themselves and seek assistance from adults often differ significantly. According to Julia Markeliūnė, digital inclusion manager at Telia, there is a risk that parents may fail to recognize signs of distress in their children online, or they might react by punishing behavior rather than addressing the core emotional issue. Markeliūnė stresses that discussions surrounding electronic bullying must encompass the realm of human relationships, not solely the technology used.
She addresses a common misconception: the belief that boys are less susceptible to bullying or that they handle the emotional fallout better than girls. In reality, she notes that the fundamental emotional needs of children are universal. However, because boys and girls often learn to express these needs differently, certain difficulties can remain unobserved or unnoticed by caregivers.
This disparity in expression means that the challenges are not always visible to those around them. Therefore, early awareness and open communication are crucial. Experts caution that simply assuming that a child is coping adequately is inaccurate.
Parents need to understand that emotional safety is paramount for all children, regardless of gender. If guardians do not actively seek to understand the nuances of online social dynamics, they risk missing crucial signs of distress. Ultimately, recognizing the subtle ways children communicate their pain—whether through digital interactions or private conversations—is key to ensuring their overall well-being.
Topics: #not #parents #see
