If you’re seeing pink today – it’s more than just a bold fashion statement!
Pink Shirt Day began in 2007, after a grade 9 student in Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing a pink shirt on his first day of high school. Today, Pink Shirt Day is an opportunity to display solidarity against all forms of bullying, including cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying involves the use of technology and digital spaces (social media, text messages, websites, etc.) to make fun of or intimidate others through threats, rumours, etc. As a result, victims of cyberbullying may experience lower self esteem, as well as depression, anxiety and fear.
According to Public Safety Canada, three in ten youth say they have personally experienced cyberbullying, and at Rogers, we’re focused on raising awareness through our partnership with the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst.
As part of this initiative, we’re providing resources to help young people, as well as their parents and teachers, gain a greater awareness of the risks of cyberbullying in order to help everyone stay cyber safe.
Here are some tips that can help:
- It’s never too early to start the conversation. Start a learning journey with your kids to understand what cyberbullying can look like and how it impacts people.
- Become familiar with where your kids are spending their online time. Get to know your kids online interests and talk to them about real life situations. Ask them who their friends are, what they talk about and what’s happening in their favourite games or apps. Also, watch for potential flags in their day-to-day interactions or changes in behaviour.
- Let your kids know who to turn to for support. Create an open, safe space and let your kids know they can come to you and any other trusted adults in your circle with questions, concerns or issues. If a situation does arise, reassure your child that they have your support by addressing it together.
- Share ways to handle cyberbullying situations. When it comes to cyberbullying, let your kids know it’s important to stop the conversation immediately. Help them to save any messages or content to report to the appropriate authorities.
- Know where and how to get support. You’re not alone – there are resources available to help support you and your kids. Check out the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst’s resources on Cyberbullying.
While cyberbullying can happen to anyone, victims of cyberbullying are often on the younger side and with kids spending even more time online to stay connected with school, friends and family, cyberbullying is a key topic of discussion that needs to remain top-of-mind all year-round.
For more information visit our Cyber Security hub or Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst.