Fidelis Care Offers Support, Guidance for Families on Cyberbullying

NEW YORK, March 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With an increase in the amount of time children are spending online for school and other activities, cyberbullying has become a growing concern for families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the negative impact cyberbullying can have on a child's physical and mental health, Fidelis Care is working to raise awareness of the issue and provide families with helpful resources and support.

According to stopbullying.gov, cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about another individual – information that may be intended to cause embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

"As children have more access to technology, and spend more time online - either for school or with friends - the issue of cyberbullying has become more prevalent," explained pediatrician Dr. Lisa Moreno, Fidelis Care Medical Director. "Parents and caregivers have a critical role to play, and we want them to have the tools and resources they need to encourage a safe online atmosphere for children."

Working with the New York State PTA and the New York Edge, which is the largest provider of afterschool programs in all five boroughs of New York City and the metropolitan region, Fidelis Care will host two "Parenting in a Digital Age" webinars focused on helping families from each organization ensure online safety for their children. Additionally, players from the New York City Football Club will be featured in special videos encouraging children to balance screen time with healthy activities and outdoor play time.

"Cyberbullying, especially now with increased remote and online instruction, continues to be a critical issue facing students," said Kyle Belokopitsky, NYS PTA Executive Director. "We look forward to working together with Fidelis Care to support children and raise awareness of this critical issue. Now is the time we must support ALL children, especially in this new virtual normal."

"As children's time online increases, particularly during the pandemic, it may become increasingly challenging to identify signs of cyberbullying that parents and educators would normally pick up on in the classroom," added Rachael Gazdick, CEO of New York Edge. "Early detection is key to addressing cyberbullying, and it's critical that parents have access to resources that will enable them to identify warning signs and provide the help their children need."

According to stopbullying.gov, the most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:

• Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok
• Text messaging and messaging apps on mobile or tablet devices
• Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet
• Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards, such as Reddit
• Email
• Online gaming communities

Dr. Moreno offers these tips for parents on how to spot cyberbullying. Early detection is key, although not all children show clear signs.

Three ways to spot cyberbullying:

1. Behavioral Changes
   A sudden change in your child's typical behavior such as changes in eating habits or difficulty sleeping. A child may hide their screen or device when others are near, or avoid discussion about what they are doing online.
2. Academic Impact
   A decrease in grades or a sudden lack of interest in school.
   
3. Social Interaction
   Avoidance of social situations – even those that were enjoyed in the past. A child may become withdrawn or depressed, or lose interest in people and activities.

Parents who suspect their child is being cyberbullied should talk to their child to learn exactly what happened, seek the help of school administrators if appropriate, seek counseling if necessary, and take steps to prevent it from reoccurring. It's also important to note that cyberbullying can harm the online reputations of everyone involved – not just the person being bullied, but those doing the bullying or participating in it.

For more information on cyberbullying, visit fideliscare.org.

About Fidelis Care:
Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 2.3 million members Statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance.  Follow us on Twitter at @fideliscare, Instagram at @fideliscare, and on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org. 

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Fidelis Care

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