Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or guardian, this part of the website has been designed with you in mind. Each area will help you as a parent to talk with your teen and to come up with ways to handle a multitude of situations. We invite you to explore the entire Relationship Matters website!
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Help for Parents
cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a problem that affects almost half of all American teens. You might think that all young people are picked on at one time or another, however, hassesment online is not just another normal teen thing.
It is a big deal.
Recently, some teens have committed suicide after having been targeted by a cyberbully.
Many teens spend a large portion of their lives online, so it's important for you to know what online harrassement is, how it could affect your teen and how you could help.
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying, happens when teens use the Internet or cell phones to send or post text or images to other teens, which are intended to hurt or embarrass another person. Young people who are bullied online are threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by one of their peers.
- it is not the same thing as lewd language
- it is usually repetitive - but can be a one time incident
- it is done by young people to other young people (involves a minor)
How teens are cyberbullied
There are many different places or ways on the internet where your teen can be humilated or harrassed through: instant messaging, internet polling, cell phones, websites, blogs, email, impersonation, interactive gaming, spying programs, password stealing.
- they are lied about online
- are tricked into revealing personal information about themselves
- are sent mean or humilating texts or messages
- could have their pictures posted online by other teens
- are impersonated by another teen
What you can do
Often, teens won't come out and tell you they are being bullied. Ask them questions. Ask them what they know about cyberbullying, including if they know anyone who has been. Some teens who are being bullied begin to avoid their friends or activies they like. They may also show signs of wanting to take revenge on the teen harrassing them.
- talk to your teen about cyberbullying
- talk to them about not being a bully or a victim
- talk to your teen about not sharing personal information or passwords
- advise your teen not to engage with the person(s) online
- teens should block the person sending messages
- save any messages or threats made to your child
- contact the school - most schools have policies regarding this
- if your child is at risk of physical harm, contact the police asap
Additional Resources
www.ncpc.org/topics/cyberbullying/cyberbullying-faq-for-teens
www.stopcyberbullying.org/prevention/parents_role.html
