Social development for today’s youth often includes navigating online social cruelty, such as cyberbullying and non-consensual sexting. On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry is joined by cyberbullying expert Dr. Elizabeth Englander, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University, to discuss her research on teens’ online social behaviors, including cyberbullying and sexting, and her perspective on how to help youth develop resilience with these challenges. Dr. Englander addresses the risk factors associated with these behaviors, including why children engage in them, potential mental health impacts, and who is most vulnerable. Parents will find actionable guidance on how to intervene proactively by initiating conversation, as well as what to do if you suspect your child is a victim of cyberbullying. 

In this episode, you will learn:

• How today's technology and the "mob effect" can facilitate cyberbullying and amplify unintentional online cruelty, with longstanding impacts on children.
• Why even “popular” or self-confident children aren’t immune to cyberbullying.
• How to prepare children for use of smartphones and other digital devices – and the protective effect of doing so.
• Why girls are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of cyberbullying and non-consensual sexting.
• What to do if you suspect your child if is being cyberbullied.
• Best practices for helpful and productive conversations with youth about cyberbullying and sexting.

For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org)

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Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au