The Cyber-Safe Kids, Cyber-Savvy Teens “Formula”:

-         “When children are young, they should only use the Internet in safe places and we must teach them simple safety rules.

-         As they grow and become teens, we must provide them with the knowledge, skills, and values to independently make good choices online while  remaining ‘hands-on’

If your child is being cyberbullied:

-         Save all emails or instant-message conversations.

-         “Talk to your children to try and understand the problem …

-         Avoid taking your child’s mobile phone away, as this can often make a child feel like s/he has done something wrong and is being punished for someone else’s wrongdoing” (Stop Text Bullying, 2005)

-         “Cyberbullying Response options …

·        Block the communications

·        Communicate with the parents of the aggressor

·        File a complaint with the site, ISP, or cell phone company

·        Seek assistance from school officials

·        Contact an attorney

·        Contact law enforcement” (Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use, 2007)

“The parents of students who are doing the bullying may be liable, (sued for damages), for the emotional damages caused by their child to another child, if the cyberbully’s parents have ‘knowledge and notice’ of harmful activity. The parents of a cyberbully are paying for the telephone bill and internet charges into their home and they are legally responsible for the acts of their children while on the computer and in their care”(Bully Police, n.d.).

Learn More: 

Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use – Brief parent guide to cyberbullying

How to stop or remove cyberinfo  

Kids Health - Parents: Bullying and Your Child

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services - What adults can do: Tips and resource sheets