Bullies and mean girls have been around forever, but technology
has given them a whole new platform for their actions. As
adults, we're becoming more aware that the "sticks and stones"
adage no longer holds true; both real world and online name-
calling can have serious emotional consequences for our kids and
teens. It's not always easy to know how and when to step in as a
parent. For starters, our kids tend to use technology
differently than we do. Kids and teens today start playing games
online and sending texts on their cell phones at an early age,
and most teens have smart phones that keep them constantly
connected to the Internet. Many are logged on to Facebook and
chatting or sending text messages all day. Even sending email or
leaving a voice mail seems "so old-school" to them. Their
knowledge of the digital world can be intimidating, but if
parents stay involved in their kids online world, just as you do
in their real world, you can help protect your kids from online
dangers. Fortunately, our growing a