Cyberbullying is the newest form of bullying that is increasing particularly at the middle and high school age levels.
Cyberbullying can be defined as posting or sending harmful messages through text, email, the internet or any other digital tool including social networks such as MySpace and Facebook.
This kind of bullying is extremely detrimental to students' self esteem and social interaction and can cause depression, poor school performance, paranoia and, sadly, even suicide.
Often parents are completely unaware of what is going on.
It is for this reason that we must be diligent about monitoring our children's computer activities.
Remember your child may be a victim or a bully.
Below are some tips for parents to help prevent cyberbullying: - Keep home computers in view.
A child's bedroom is not a good place to prevent unwanted online behavior.
- Communicate regularly with your child.
Ask about online activities and have clear expectations about responsible and safe behavior online.
- Become familiar with technology and activities such as social networking sites and slang terms.
Ask for help navigating the information highway.
- Monitor your child's internet and cell phone activities.
You can actually turn off certain features of cell phones at a certain time each night.
- Install and use filter and monitoring software, and tell your child you've done it.
That keeps communication and trust open.
- Educate your child about the dangers of too much information being given online.
- Be aware of warning signs that your child might be a victim of cyberbullying - obsessive use of technology, visibly upset after internet use, withdrawn and/or secretive behavior and school problems such as grades dropping or trouble with friends.
- Do not overreact or blame your child if he or she comes to you with a cyberbullying issue.
Taking technology privileges is usually more detrimental than helpful and will keep your child from revealing future incidents.
- Teach your child empathy and good choices.
- Involve the school when and if you can.
The school is limited, but often what is going on in the cyberworld is going on at school as well.
- Contact the police if necessary.
Save all emails, texts, etc.
to support your concerns.
The times, they are a-changing, but unfortunately bullying still exists.
It just takes different forms as the methods change.
Both sites linked above have a plethora of information about cyberbullying.