Trolls encourage kids to kill themselves
PARENTS are being warned to keep up with what their children are up to on social media, after students were caught urging others to kill themselves.
Manly
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STUDENTS at northern beaches schools have been caught urging fellow students to kill themselves on social media.
Leonie Smith, who runs the Cyber Safety Lady business, said online bullying was on the increase and kids thought up the most horrific things they could say to each other without realising the tragic consequences.
“Kids are saying things like, ‘go kill yourself’ and ‘you should go and die’,” said Ms Smith, adding that police were increasingly having to deal with social media disputes in schools.
She warned this type of behaviour was a “matter of life and death”.
“Some may be able to cope with that kind of abuse if they have strong support around them and the right constitution,” said Ms Smith. “But if not, it could lead to another Charlotte Dawson.”
Ms Dawson, a TV personality, killed herself after a history of online battles with trolls, a name given to people who abuse others online.
Ms Smith said while social media was a part of everyone’s lives now, online bullying was a growing issue in schools.
She said it was important parents educated themselves so they were better able to deal with what happens on social media.
Ms Smith said there were many strategies parents could put in place to help prevent online bullying and nip it in the bud if it happened to their child.
“Parents can be overemotional if this happens to their child, which doesn’t help,” said Ms Smith.
In one instance the wrong response escalated the situation between two students and one had to be pulled out of the school.
Ms Smith also warned parents they needed to be good social media role models for their kids.
“Teachers shake their heads at the behaviour of some parents, who get embroiled in online dramas,” she said. “It’s no wonder children follow suit.”
Youth liaison officer Senior Constable Robyn Jennings said police were often asked to come into schools to talk to children about online safety and etiquette, and give about two to four talks a week to children as young as eight. She warned children may not be aware they could be breaking the law with some of the things they write on social media.
Cyber Safety Lady’s next free talk for parents is on September 6, 7-8.30pm, at Barrenjoey High, Tasman Rd, Avalon Beach.
If you have a problem, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Tips to fight trolls
■Accept social media is part of your child’s life and get educated
■Try and be in earshot or eyeshot of your child while they’re on social media and see how they’re reacting
■Encourage them to tell you if they are concerned about what’s happening online
■Make sure you get a screenshot of any nasty comments for evidence
■If it’s someone you don’t know block them
■It’s not always best to block someone you know, it can lead to others joining in
■Tell a teacher if it involves children at school
■If you don’t get the response you need keep taking the issue higher
■Contact police for advice
■ Don’t react to abusive comments, trolls love drama
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