TikTok – What Is It And Why Should Parents Be Cautious?
TikTok is a social video-sharing application. It enables users to create, edit and share 60-second videos with filters, special effects and music. Like other social media platforms, TikTok allows users to comment, like and follow any content they come across on the app. TikTok is available for both Android and iOS operating systems and can be downloaded respectively on the app stores. TikTok is the new kid on the block and with over 1 billion users as of December 2019, it looks like it is here to stay. Who can use the TikTok app? TikTok has a large user following of people less than 25 years of age. According to their terms and conditions, anyone between the ages of 13 and older can sign up as a user. It is believed that the reason why the app appeals to young people is the fact that it is a platform that allows the opportunity of being creative. The youth can also build a community surrounding their passion…
The ‘5 Faces Of Cyberbullying’ In South Africa
In a recent study conducted by Ipsos Global, results showed that about 80% of South Africans are aware of cyberbullying and almost 3-quarters of South Africans believe that the anti-bullying tactics that are in place are not enough to combat cyberbullying. The sad truth is that no matter how hard parents try to control their children’s devices, there are always loopholes that make it almost impossible for them to do so. We believe that parents need to educate themselves and their children continuously to help protect against cyberbullying. Listed below are the ‘5 faces of cyberbullying’. These are the most common forms of cyberbullying acts we identify in South African schools during our training workshops. Being able to identify cyberbullying is the first step parents need to take to help educate themselves and their children: The use of false images, videos and messages to hurt or threaten someone else. Sometimes…
Recommendations For Addressing Cyberbullying With Your Child
As a parent of teenagers in 2020, one of the last things you want to hear is that your child has either been cyberbullied or is the cyberbully. The worst part of this situation is finding out about the matter long after it has already started. Many parents often blame themselves because they feel that they have failed their children when they needed them the most. Parents are often encouraged to keep open communication with their children so that it becomes easier to address issues as they occur. If you happen to find yourself in the situation of having to address a case of cyberbullying, see our list below of the recommended ways to do so: Recommended: If you suspect your child is being bullied online, try to talk about it with your child away from his/her siblings. Taking them to a private space where they feel comfortable to open-up…