Cyberbullying: What You Can Do

Deborah Lansing - 28 Jul 16

Every parent worries that their child might be a victim of a bully. But these days, it doesn’t just happen at school – it happens onlinetoo. At least when it happens at school there are usually witnesses, and then teachers and administrators can get involved. And punishments from the school might just be enough to deter a bully to do it in the school these days.

But online, it can be more anonymous. Not always, but there is at least the option of creating a fake social media profile to purposely bully another kid. Even if they don’t do it anonymously, it’s still easier to do online because they don’t have to look their victim in the face while they’re doing it. They don’t have to see the immediate emotional consequences of their actions like they do in person.

This makes cyberbullying even more attractive to a kid who is already predisposed to hurting other people. They can avoid a sense of personal responsibility since they are physically, and psychologically, removed from their victim.

Here are some things parents can do to try to prevent their child from being a victim of a cyberbully:

1.    Keep an eye on all of their social media accounts. Know their passwords, and check their accounts often.
2.     Monitor your child’s text messages and emails they receive.
3.     Educate yourself about the new acronyms that kids use these days, such as “PIR” (parent in room).
4.    Watch your child’s behavior closely and note any negative changes. Get professional help if needed.
5.     Let your child know that they can talk to you about anything and that you will not judge them.
6.     Talk to them about cyber bullying so they are aware that it can happen.
7.     Teach them strategies for how to handle the situation should they find themselves a victim.
8.     Tell your child to report to you if they know of anyone else being bullied online.
9.     Attend PTO meetings and get a conversation started about what can be done about cyberbullying.
10. Reiterate that they should model good behavior for other kids and not participate in any online bullying – even if it’s accidental.

Bullying has been around for many, many years. It is not something that is going to stop any time soon. But if parents are aware andeducated about it, then they can help their child navigate the rough waters of their social lives with ease.

Deborah Lansing

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