Protecting Your Child From Cyberbullying
Worried about cyberbullying? With all the recent news about bullying that ends in tragedy
, it can be frightening to think that your child may be the victim of cyberbullying without you even finding out that something was wrong. Luckily, there are some simple things that you can do that will help you protect your child from potential cyberbullying and deal with it well if it happens.Listen To Your Child
One of the best ways to make sure your child is doing alright is by simply paying attention to what they tell you. If you child mentions an uncomfortable internet moment or incident in passing, listen to what they say. Try not to get too overbearing, but make time to sit down and talk about it whenever they're ready.
Watch Your Child's Signals
You know your teen better than anyone, so keep an eye out for behavior that may seem sullen, moody, or out of character. While normal teenage problems all lead to these behaviors, you will recognize a severe issue in your child by catching behavior that seems out of character for them.
Talk To Your Child About Cyberbullying
One of the best things you can do to make sure your child is able to deal with a bullying situation online or offline is through simply going over what they plan to do if something happens. Make sure your child has an adult they would feel comfortable telling if a cyberbullying situation got out of hand, and remember that adult does not have to be you if they'd prefer to go to a teacher or other type of authority figure. Encourage your child to consider how it would feel to be bullied before they attack another child online.
Keep The Computer In A Public Area
Keep your computer in a public area if at all possible so you can see your child while they are online. If your child has trouble, they will frequently show it with body language and attitude long before they will be ready to talk about it. You don't need to stand over their shoulder or watch what they do, but having a basic awareness of how they behave when at a computer can help you know in advance if a problem is coming.
Respond To Problems
If your child comes to you with a cyberbullying problem, take it seriously. Take any steps you need to take to make sure the bullying stops, and don't be afraid to call in help from the school or the police if you feel it is necessary. If your teen is having a lot of trouble, consider taking them to a counselor to deal with the emotional backlash of being bullied.
Try To Understand
It can be really easy to minimize the problems a child or teen is going through when seen through the eyes of a few more years of experience. Remember that things that may seem minor to you can be major problems that will leave your child feeling miserable. Treat your child's problems with the seriousness and importance your child gives them, especially when you talk to them. Make sure they know you are available to help if they need it.
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