Article: For starters, your child should be required to tell you if he or she (or someone else he or she knows) is being bullied online. It’s a good idea to reassure your child that he or she will not be punished for coming to you with this problem. If, for example, you respond by taking away his or her electronic devices, you will only ensure that your child never comes to you again. If your child is being targeted online, you need to get involved. Do not dismiss the problem or wait for it to escalate before taking action. If you know who is bullying your child online, consider contacting that person’s parents or the school authorities. Be sure to discuss this course of action with your child, though. More and more schools have explicit policies about cyber bullying. Check and see if your child’s school does. Whether your child is the target or not, he or she should know not to pass along any messages that qualify as cyber bullying. Insist that your child not reply to these messages or try to “fight back,” as this will only exacerbate the situation. If your child is being cyber bullied, have them block or “un-friend” the bullies when possible. Direct any messages to specific folders; leave them unread and do not reply. If possible, block the email addresses and cell phone numbers of cyber bullies. Save all evidence, including messages, pictures, and text messages Let your child know that being victimized online is not his or her fault. Offer your non-judgmental support, and watch your child for signs of emotional distress. Get help as needed. If your child is being bullied online, you should report it to your internet service provider, your cell phone company, and the support teams of any websites involved in the bullying. Get appropriate legal advice, and, using any documented evidence of cyber bullying, think about going to the police. Contacting the police is especially advisable if the bullying involves sexual content, fraud, threats, or extortion.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Establish ground rules. Take all evidence of cyber bullying seriously. Contact parents or school authorities. Discourage your child from adding any fuel to the fire. Take defensive measures. Document all evidence of cyber bullying. Do not blame your child. Report cyber bullying. Consider taking formal action.