Preventing Cyberbullying

Kids who cyberbully are often motivated by anger, revenge or frustration. They may do it for entertainment or because they are bored, or simply to get a reaction or torment someone. The most common way that children and youth report being cyberbullied is through instant messaging. Somewhat less common ways involve the use of chat rooms, emails, and messages posted on Web sites.

Cyberbullying can especially be damaging because messages and images can be distributed quickly to a very wide audience.

Be Safe Online

For Kids

• Use passwords and don’t share them with anyone, even best friends.
• Don’t give strangers your cell phone number, instant messaging name, or email address.
• Don’t open a message from someone you don’t know.
• Don’t erase messages. They may be needed later to take action.
• If you are bullied through instant messaging or chat rooms, leave the area or stop the activity and block the bully.
• Don’t exchange pictures or give out email addresses to people you meet on the internet.
• If you are cyberbullied or threatened, tell an adult you trust – a parent, teacher, coach, older brother or sister.
• Take a stand against cyberbullying with your peers. Speak out whenever you see someone being mean to another person online.
  

For Parents

• Have weekly conversations with your child about their experiences online. Listen to what your child is saying.
• Keep the computer in a family room, kitchen or other area shared by family members.
• Teach your children to delete suspicious email messages without opening them.
• Make sure your children know how to use technology to block cyberbullies.
• Teach your children that the same rules for interacting with people in real life also apply online or through cell phones.
• Monitor your child’s activities while they are online, but use discretion so they don’t feel they have to hide their actions.
• Use software programs that will filter and block some content. Show your child how they can filter out bad people.
• Look for warning signs that something abnormal is going on with them. Are they withdrawn or refusing to use the computer?