Five Things a Parent Should Know About Cyberbullying
Over the last decade, the mainstream integration of cell phones and the Internet among teenagers has given rise to a new type of harassment known as cyberbullying. Discriminatory or offensive texts or pictures, pretending to be someone else online, or using digital media to spread gossip or pictures without permission are all prime examples. Because cyberbullies can feel anonymous when attacking, the problem is becoming rampant, sometimes leading to tragic circumstances. Parents need to know several things to help educate and protect their kids.
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Practice Good Communication
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According to a study by the National Crime Prevention Council, 43 percent of teens were victims of cyberbullying in 2009. Only 11 percent spoke to their parents about these incidences. Talk to your teen about cyberbullying. Let them know that they can rely on you to help if they find themselves as victims. Also discuss what the consequences would be if they were found to be bullying someone else. Talk to your teen early as the odds are good that they will come across some form of cyberbullying during their school years.
Prevention Methods
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Parents should know cyberbully prevention methods so they can pass them on to their children. Help your children understand that seeking revenge will never be effective no matter how tempting it is. Teach your teen to prevent cyberbullying by refusing to forward messages that are mean or offensive. Speak up to the friends who are perpetuating it, or block the sender. In the more extreme cases, authorities such as school administrators or law enforcement officials can stop the offender.
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Be There, Be Aware
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Be present when your children are setting up email, chat or social networking accounts. Do not allow these kinds of accounts without also knowing your children's passwords and user names. Check in often to ensure that they are only communicating with friends or other appropriate people. If your children have cell phones, go over the contact list with them frequently and ask them how they know each person listed. Explain that these measures are not to allow you to "spy" on them but to ensure that they remain safe.
Learn Their Language
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Kids use some common acronyms when texting or instant messaging. What might seem harmless might actually be mean or inappropriate. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has published a list of these acronyms and their meanings for parents. You can access this list through their website:
http://www.missingkids.com/en_US/documents/Acronym.pdf
Safety First
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The definition of cyberbullying encompasses those who would trick your child out of and exploit their personal information or pretend to be them online. Remind your kids that they should never share information publicly such as full names, addresses, financial information or passwords even with their friends. Many teens don't understand the implications and dangers of sharing such details. It is a parent's responsibility to raise awareness with their children.
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