The surprising way to help your kid win against the bullies of the web

I’m going to kick off this article with a flash poll:

With 79% of Gen Alpha on social media, your kid has probably had to deal with this issue — and only 10% report their abuse to a parent, so you probably don’t even know about it.

Today we’re going to talk about how to prepare your kid to deal with online haters.

Go behind enemy lines

Teach your kid to get into the mindset of the bully. 🧠

Hear me out — anyone who’s worked in customer service has been on the receiving end of a psychotic rant or two.

It’s hard not to take it personally when it’s directed at you.

But it’s rarely (if ever) about you.

The same applies to online haters. 

Alpha High student Wade Driscoll has had this revelation first-hand. He’s been building up his TikTok following in support of his new fashion line, and posted a video critiquing a celebrity’s outfit.

“The comment section was very, very angry, and I got personally attacked a lot,” Wade told me.

“I kind of had to take a step back. I understood in the moments after that it meant nothing about me.”

That’s very astute of you, Wade. ✌️

There are six major traits to look out for in online bullies, and the sooner you can teach your kid to be aware of these traits (like Wade), the happier they’ll be.

The six traits of an online bully

1. The insecurity shadow ⛈️

Most bullies (online or otherwise) are like mirrors reflecting their own insecurities. They see your kid shining, and it hits a nerve. 

Why? Because they’re struggling with their own self-worth. 

Make sure your kid gets this: when someone throws shade, it’s often because they’re standing in their own shadow. 

2. Anonymity armor 🎭

The internet is like a masquerade ball – everyone’s wearing a mask. This anonymity makes some people feel invincible, like they can say anything without consequences. 

Help your kid understand that behind that harsh comment is someone hiding, someone who probably wouldn’t have the guts to say it face-to-face.

3. The power play 💪

Many haters get a twisted sense of power from putting others down. It’s like a cheap video game where they score points by being mean. 

Explain to your kid that this is a false power – it’s weak and it’s fleeting. 

True strength is in building others up, not tearing them down.

4. The echo chamber effect 🎙️

Some haters are just echoing negativity they’ve heard elsewhere. They’re caught in a loop of toxic thinking and are just regurgitating the hate. 

Teach your kids to recognize this pattern. It’s like a broken record, and it’s not their job to fix it.

5. Misery loves company 😡

This is so true for haters. They’re often unhappy and want others to feel their pain.

It’s a sad attempt to drag others down into their pit of gloom.

Your kid needs to know that they don’t have to accept the invitation to that pity party.

6. The jealousy jab 🟢

Sometimes, it’s plain old jealousy. Your kid is rockin’ their thing, and someone else just can’t handle it. 

Jealousy is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick. 

Help your kid see that haters’ jealousy is not their problem.