Open Communication and Digital Literacy Key to Children Reporting Violence

Building children's courage to report violence, whether in their immediate surroundings or online, hinges on open communication and digital literacy, according to clinical child and adolescent psychologist Ocha Ananda Suherik.

“

Take time to listen to your child's stories every day without immediately judging, blaming, or rushing to offer solutions.

Suherik emphasizes that a culture of open communication within the home serves as a powerful protective factor against violence. A warm and responsive relationship between children and their caregivers is the foundation. "Take time to listen to your child's stories every day without immediately judging, blaming, or rushing to offer solutions," she advised.

When children are accustomed to feeling heard in everyday conversations, they are more likely to trust that parents will also listen when they face more serious problems. This is particularly important for reporting violence or bullying in the digital space, which requires early education and guidance tailored to the child's age and maturity.

“

When children are accustomed to feeling heard in everyday conversations, they will be more confident that parents will also listen when they face more serious problems.

Parents should discuss online content with their children, teach them about privacy and protecting personal data, warn them about strangers online, and help them recognize potentially harmful interactions. Suherik also stressed the importance of teaching children self-protection methods in the digital realm, such as blocking accounts, reporting content, leaving conversations, and seeking adult assistance.

“

Children also need to understand how to protect themselves in the digital space, such as blocking accounts, reporting content, leaving conversations, and asking for help from adults.

Furthermore, educating children about various forms of violence appropriate to their developmental stage is essential. They need to understand not only what constitutes violence but also how to act when they experience or witness it. This includes empowering them to become "upstanders" by seeking help from adults when they see a friend being victimized. Training children in assertive communication and personal boundaries, teaching them it's okay to say "no" even to elders or acquaintances, can also bolster their confidence in reporting uncomfortable situations.

“

Children also need to be equipped with knowledge about what to do when they see their friends being victims, which is how children can become upstanders (bravely seeking help from adults when witnessing violence).