According to Cyber Bullying.us, 33% of all youth report that they have been victims of cyberbullying.  41% of the victims tell no one.  17% of online user admit to bullying someone through computer or text messaging.

What is Cyberbullying?

Basically, cyberbullying and electronic bullying, as some like to call it, is the willful or intentional act of causing another individual harm inflicted through the use of computer or text messaging. This system of terrorizing another individual through instant messaging, chat rooms, emails and personal Websites is becoming more common throughout the United States as a form of bullying.

What Can Parents Do To Prevent Cyberbullying?

1. Discuss with your children, especially teens, what cyberbullying is and how it cause harm to someone.  Ask your children if they are aware of cyber and electronic bullying. Tell them:

• Don’t respond to cyber or electronic bully messages.
• Don’t keep a negative message to yourself- Tell an adult.
• Don’t erase or delete the message.
• Never arrange to meet with someone that you met online or text message.

2. Keep home computers in an open area where you can see what is going on.

3. Contact your internet or phone provider to find out what safeguards they offer to protect your child.

4. Have consequences in place if/when you become aware that your child is involved in cyberbullying.  This often occurs by notification from another parent or a school official.

5. Ask your child if he or she has been a victim of cyberbullying or text bullying.

6. Become computer and electronic savvy.  Realize that it’s hard for your child to become a victim if they don’t share their computer “screen name” or phone number for text messaging to individuals they don’t trust.

7. When you discover that your child has been a victim:

• Inform your local police department or school liaison police officer.
• Contact a school official: School Counselor, Principal, Social Worker
• If necessary, delete current email, cell phone accounts and establish new ones.
• Become familiar with the ‘blocking” devices installed on your computer system or IM, AOL, or internet provider.

8. Don’t assume that your child is not involved or does not have the potential to use cyber or electronic methods to say something mean, inappropriate or “get back” at someone they are mad at.  Many parents are often surprised when they discover their child is involved.

9. Finally, become and stay involved in your child’s life.  Parents who communicate daily with their children in a positive manner tend to become more informed with what’s happening in their child’s life.