Cyberbullying

Helping kids learn to respect themselves and others online.

Bullying is a serious concern among youth today and with the steady expansion of the cyber world, bullying has moved beyond a face-to-face problem. Oftentimes cyberbullying takes place through text messages and on social media sites, which allows mean-spirited behavior to follow kids outside of school or other social environments. Cyberbullying can be a one time thing, but often is done over a long period of time and occasionally anonymously.
Tips for Parents on Cyberbullying
1. Talk with your child about cyberbullying. Use a story in the news as a conversation starter. Ask him whether he knows someone who’s been cyberbullied.
2. Tell your child to talk to an adult she trusts if something she sees online makes her uncomfortable, scared or angry. Prepare ahead of time what you’ll say and do if your child comes to you with an online problem. Kids are afraid that if they mention a problem, their Internet privileges will be taken away. But you want your child to talk to you about these issues. By preparing ahead of time, you won’t overreact.
3. Talk with your child about being respectful online. Not only do you want to help your child if he is being bullied, you also want to make sure he isn’t bullying others. Model good online behaviors for your child and remind him not to say anything online that he wouldn’t say to someone in person.
4. Watch for signs your child might be being cyberbullied. Has her attitude toward technology changed? Did she once enjoy being online and now doesn’t? Has her attitude toward school changed? Have her grades dropped? Has her behavior toward her friends changed?
5. Talk with other parents about cyberbullying. Work with your school to develop a safe, positive environment for all young people in the school and neighborhood.
In The News …

McKenna, age 14, has been the target of cyberbullying by classmates. Recent comments on her Facebook page by a male classmate prompted calls by McKenna’s parents to her school and the police. Both said the actions were outside of their control. Shortly thereafter, a trip to the local mall with her mom ended in the physical assault of one of the bullies. Her mother was arrested on child abuse charges.

Mom Allegedly Chokes Facebook Bully

Mom Regrets, Discusses Choking Facebook Bully

Has your child or a friend ever been cyberbullied? Has your child ever engaged in cyberbullying another child? What actions did you take?

Resources for Parents

Check out these great resources to help your children and teens navigate today’s online world.
For Parents with Children Ages 5-9:
- Learn to be net smart with your children.
- Download this great poster as a visual reminder for your child to be net smart.
- Utilize this activity guide to inspire a teachable moment.
For Parents of Tweens and Teens:
- Inspire conversation with your tween or teen by leveraging these stories.
- Download this poster as reference to use when talking with tweens.