Open a conversation with your child about cyberbullying and how to handle it if they experience it. You can start the conversation by asking if they have ever seen any kind of cyberbullying. Let your child tell you about the experience.<\/p>\n

Be careful to not make the conversation sounds like an interrogation or that they\u2019re already in trouble. Children are often afraid to confide in their parents for fear that their computer or internet access will be taken away if they do.<\/p>\n

2. Keep The Family Computer In A Common Area<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s much easier to monitor your child\u2019s online usage when in a common area of the home. When it\u2019s out in the open, it allows for less secret activity to happen.<\/p>\n

3. Learn What Your Child Does Online<\/h2>\n

Simply ask your children what they do online, what sites they visit and who they do it with. Keeping an open dialogue about what they do online is important and will encourage your child to confide in you if there\u2019s ever a problem.<\/p>\n

4. Become Familiar With Social Media Sites<\/h2>\n

Become familiar and learn about all the different social media sites out there. An easy way to really come familiar with them is to create your own profiles. Try uploading pictures, making posts and even play the games your child plays. Ask your children to show you their profile pages periodically and friend\/follow them on each network they have. Lastly and most importantly, don\u2019t stop there. Be sure to keep up with new sites and be aware if your child is using them or not.<\/p>\n

5. Discuss Rules & Time Limits<\/h2>\n

Discuss internet use rules, online safety and time limits. Tip: If you ask your child to contribute to the rules, they may be more inclined to follow the rules.<\/p>\n

6. Teach Your Child Safe Online Behavior<\/h2>\n

Teach your child all about safe online behavior. Passwords, thinking before posting, stranger danger and keeping private information private are all very important safe behaviors to go over. Tip: You can make learning about safe online behavior fun too, like creating a quiz and awarding a prize for a perfect score.<\/p>\n

7. Teach Your Child On How To Handle To Cyberbullying<\/h2>\n

Even if your child doesn\u2019t think it can happen to them, a child can become a target of cyberbullying in a matter of seconds. Teach your child how to handle online bullying and to let you know about it as soon as it happens. Tell your children to not respond to any cyberbullying, but do not delete the messages either just in case the bullying escalates. You\u2019ll need these messages to prove that the cyberbullying occurred.<\/p>\n

If for whatever reason your child chooses not to share it with you, be sure to provide them with alternate sources of information like a binder or another family member that he or she can confide in.<\/p>\n

8. Let Your Child Know You May Take Action<\/h2>\n

Let your child know if there\u2019s reason for concern, that you might take action. It\u2019s still your job as a parent to keep him or her safe. If there is a risk, it\u2019s a good idea to monitor their online communication.<\/p>\n

9. Be Available To Talk & Help Your Child<\/h2>\n

This is the most important part in stopping cyberbullying! Whether your child is the one who is bullying or is the target of cyberbullying, you want your child to feel comfortable enough to come to you if there ever is a problem. It\u2019s important for your child to know that you\u2019re there to make the situation better and keep him or her safe.<\/p>\n

10. Don\u2019t Overreact<\/h2>\n

If your child is being bullied online, it is important to be supportive and understanding of the problem. Be sure to find out how long it has been going on, work together to find a solution and keep the conversation open to through the problem. If the bullying escalates, it\u2019s time to have a meeting with the school.<\/p>\n

11. Don\u2019t Underreact Either<\/h2>\n

Telling your children to \u2018deal with it\u2019 or responding with \u2018kids will be kids\u2019 attitude isn\u2019t helpful. The emotional distress your child is going through is very real and can have long lasting effects. Still be supportive and understanding of their problem.<\/p>\n

12. Don\u2019t Threaten With Consequences<\/h2>\n

In the event that cyberbullying happens, do not threaten with consequences. Remember it\u2019s a good thing that your child has come to you and you want him or her to continue to come to you with problems. Threatening to take away their computer or access to the internet will only make your child more secretive in the future.<\/p>\n

13. Talk To Your Child\u2019s School<\/h2>\n

If your child comes to you about cyberbullying involving kids from school, talk to the school\u2019s guidance counselors. It\u2019s important for them to be aware of the situation and can monitor the bullying situation at school.<\/p>\n