Chapter 25

Myth #24

The best way to deal with cyberbullying is to keep kids off their phones and computers

First published: 23 March 2020

Summary

It is now a matter of common knowledge that kids spend too much time with computer or phone screens and too little time on other types of interactions. Anxiety tops the list of mental health problems associated with frequent screen use. And not least of all is cyberbullying, and the very real possibility that a child will have digital encounters that damage their self-esteem, mental health, or social standing. Kids are not crazy. Social events and get-togethers do happen online, and it is important for kids to feel included at least some of the time. And, as kids go through adolescence, they tend to better understand the importance of balancing technology use with other activities. Complete avoidance of technology probably is not a good strategy. The correction approach is for adults to schedule family time without screens, like dinnertime together, Sunday walks in the woods, or family game time.

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