Why Kids Are Using Instagram to Bully

For many teenagers, life without technology is unthinkable. They've come to depend on it as a way of life. They can not only stay in touch with friends, but they can also share a little bit about themselves. Instagram is one of the most popular ways for teenagers to stay in touch and let others know what's going on in their lives. Instagram is a hugely popular online photo-sharing and social networking site.

Instagram allows teens to record and share 15-second videos in addition to photos. While this social networking program is a fun tool for teens, it can be used to cyberbully and troll others, just like any other social networking site. In

According to Ditch the Label, a British anti-bullying organization, the majority of cyberbullying that children face occurs on Instagram.

Among those who have been bullied online, 42 percent say they were bullied on Instagram, 37 percent say they were bullied on Facebook, and 31 percent say they were bullied on Snapchat.

As a result, it is becoming increasingly important for parents to be aware of how their children are using Instagram to harass, intimidate, and humiliate others. Here are the top eight ways teens are cyberbullying others on Instagram.

Posting Offensive or Embarrassing Photos

One method used by children to gather material is to capture others in compromising photos or videos known as "blackmail moments." The photos and videos are then uploaded to Instagram. 2 Playing the "slap game" is another way to embarrass others. One person slaps someone while another person films the victim's reaction. This reaction is then shared on Instagram, where it is used to shame and humiliate the target.

Making Captions for Insulting Photographs

A teen, for example, might come across a random image of a nerdy person picking his nose. They then post the photo with the caption, "this reminds me of @username." Kids may post something about their child without ever mentioning her name, similar to how they subtweet on Twitter. Nonetheless, she and everyone else at school are aware that it is all about her.

Cruel Remarks on a Photograph

If your teen posts a photo of herself wearing a new outfit, others may take advantage of the opportunity to make derogatory remarks such as "you're so ugly" or "lose some weight." Mean girl quotes can also be found on Instagram. A girl commenting on another girl's photo with a comment like "girl, did you know your boobs go inside your shirt?" is an example. The plan is to make another girl feel bad about herself because of how she looks. Comments can also include slut-shaming.

Tagging an Image and Using the "Add People" Feature

If the bully and the intended target are not following each other, the target will not be notified of the photo and will not be able to see the tag, caption, or comments.

As a result, the victim may be harassed and humiliated for no apparent reason. Additionally, this type of bullying may permeate the school hallways. Until someone tells her, your child will have no idea why people are laughing and pointing at her.

Including a Punny Hashtag in a Photo

While any hashtag can be used, here are some examples of what children might post: #loser, #whatnottowear, and #ugly are all hashtags. Hashtags allow people to search for specific topics, such as #whatnottowear, and your child's photo could be seen by a larger audience as a result. This kind of exposure can make a teen feel as if the entire world is laughing at her.

Making a False Account

Bullies can use a fake account to target their children in two ways. They either post derogatory and embarrassing photos of your child or derogatory quotes and photos of other people. These rude comments appear to be coming from your child, and others believe your child is the perpetrator of the bullying behavior. This can harm your child's online reputation and cause her to be socially isolated. It may also get her in trouble at school, with coaches, and with employers until it is proven that the account is a forgery.

Posting Private Text Message Screenshots

In this case, your teen's private thoughts are suddenly made public. For example, if your teen confided in someone about her problems with another student, that conversation can be copied with a screenshot and posted to Instagram. When this happens, everyone can see her thoughts, including the person with whom she was having a private conversation.

Taking and Sharing Shameful Screenshots Making Use of FaceTime

Bullies use FaceTime or another video chat option to catch their targets in embarrassing situations. They then upload these photos to Instagram in order to humiliate the individual. Someone could take a screenshot and post it to Instagram if your child FaceTimes in her pajamas, a low cut tank top, or with facial cream on her face. Bullies will sometimes trick their intended target into doing something inappropriate during FaceTime and then post it for all to see.

Remember that the first step in combating cyberbullying on Instagram is to educate your children about the dangers of the Internet. You should also teach them how to use technology safely and responsibly. Instagram, like any other social networking site, necessitates that your children practice basic Internet safety. You can help prevent Instagram bullying in your child's life by providing proper education about the dangers, as well as regular communication and monitoring on your part.

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