How to Tell If Your Child is a Victim of Cyber Bullying

Cyber bully is very common it happens everyday. It’s a new form of bullying.
It is horrible. The “bullying talk” with your child is just as important as the “sex talk”. As parents we need to be involved in our children’s life. There is a new trend where people or taping fights and posting them on www.youtube.com and MySpace.com is becoming very popular for cyber bullies.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. What exactly is cyber bullying? Cyber bullying occurs through email, instant messaging, Internet chat rooms, and electronic gadgets like camera cell phones, cyber bullies forward and spread hurtful images and/or messages. Bullies use this technology to harass their victims.

2. Our children should be able to go to school and feel safe. As parents tt is important that we take an active role in our children’s life and communicate with them, we should be aware what is going on in their personal life as well as when we are not around.

3. If your child is spending an excessive amount of time using the Internet, there usage should be monitored, if they are in forums and chat rooms.
   
   There is software available for purchase such as Spector that can monitor your child’s activity on sites such as MySpace.com

4. If you find out your child is being threatened by a bully if possible contact the bully or contact their parents and see if this can resolved and if the bullying continues contact law enforcement and get them involved before the threats escalate and someone is harmed.

5. Signs to look for to see if your child is being bullied.
   
   Your child makes up excuses for not going to school – It is common for children to play sick and want to take a day off for school but look for consistency, if this is happening on a regular basis.
   
   
   Your child is often angry, sad, and depressed and withdrawn from family and friends. Our children go through spells where they withdraw from family but if you notice they are also withdrawing from friends pay attention to your child’s behavior.
   
   
   Your child is frequently being hurt by particular person or group of people.
   Your child is frequently picked on in the presence of other people
   Your child is being made fun of for mistakes they are making.
   Your child’s belongings are being stolen

6. If you need further advice and resources contact local school PTA for resources and if you feel your child is being bullied and there are not laws in your state contact your local senator and see what they are doing to prevent the situation