How to Identify Cyber-Bullying

Cyber-Bullying is perhaps one of the fastest-growing forms of harassment for children. Due to technological advances involving communication devices such as cell phones, pagers and the Internet, it has become easier than ever for bullies to punish their victims even from outside the classroom.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Cell phone
• Commonly used electronic communication devices that apply

1. Being able to properly identify a case of cyber-bullying is actually quite simple to identify if parents and educators know where to look. First, monitor your child's online activities to see if they are being contacted by any bullies outside of school. Be expecially cautious of popular social-networking sites where it is easy to make contact with others.

2. Monitor the cell phone activities of your child. Know who they are in contact with at all times. This includes text messages.

3. Ask the educators of your child if they have noticed any instances of bullying. Often cyber-bullying is a supplement used by bullies during the after-school hours when they are not near their targets.

4. Look for any change in behavior when it comes to using electronic communication devices. If your child frequently uses the computer and cell phone but suddenly stops, it may be worth looking into.

Tips & Warnings

• To limit cyber-bullying, do not exchange personal information through email or post it on websites or chat rooms.
• Encourage your children to report any instance of cyber-bullying, regardless of the platform.
• Check to see if your school has a policy against cyber-bullying. If it does not, suggest that it implements one.