With the new school year under way, families in El Paso are hearing a clear warning from a local mental‑health professional: cyber‑bullying is on the rise, and it can have serious consequences for children’s well‑being.
Cyber‑bullying is growing, says El Paso Children’s Hospital
Licensed professional counselor Michelle Barron of El Paso Children’s Hospital told KVIA that, while overall bullying rates have not fallen, incidents that occur online have increased dramatically. She estimates that roughly 58% of U.S. children have experienced some form of cyber‑bullying at one point or another.
“It can be cruel, from comments and posts to sophisticated AI‑generated deepfakes,” Barron explained. “Kids may be hesitant to report it because they fear retaliation or think it’s just a normal part of growing up.”
Warning signs parents should watch
According to Barron, the first line of defense is parental awareness. She urges parents to look for sudden changes in a child’s behavior—such as reluctance to attend school, shifts in eating or sleeping patterns, or emerging anxiety and depression.
“When we brush these off, we risk serious outcomes like self‑harm, suicidal thoughts, or substance abuse,” she warned. “Bullying is not a rite of passage; it’s a threat to a child’s future.”
Practical steps for families
Barron recommends a balanced approach that respects a child’s privacy while ensuring safety. She advises parents to request passwords for social‑media and gaming accounts and to monitor who their children are communicating with, especially on platforms like Roblox that include chat functions.
“There shouldn’t be total privacy when it comes to our teens,” she said. “Ask to see who they’re talking to and what games they’re playing.”
She also stresses the importance of open communication. Children need to feel safe enough to share concerns with a trusted adult—whether that’s a parent, teacher, counselor, or pediatrician.
How El Paso Children’s Hospital is helping
Beyond counseling individual students, the hospital works with both victims and perpetrators of bullying. Their team provides intensive therapeutic approaches designed to address the root causes of aggression, offering services that many school districts cannot match.
“We aim to get to the core of the behavior, not just treat the symptoms,” Barron noted.
What parents can do right now
1. Monitor online activity. Regularly check social‑media and gaming accounts for inappropriate interactions.
2. Establish clear rules. Set expectations for respectful online behavior and enforce consequences for violations.
3. Encourage open dialogue. Let children know they can come to you without fear of judgment.
4. Seek professional help. If you notice signs of distress, contact a counselor or pediatrician promptly.
By staying vigilant and fostering a supportive home environment, parents can help curb the tide of cyber‑bullying and protect their children’s mental health as the school year begins.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
