How to Respond if Your Kid is Being Cyberbullied
What do we do IF our kids are being bullied? Any legal action? Just take the computer away?
Taking the computer away probably won't work because many kids need their computers for school. And even if they have been targeted or participated in some way in a cyberbullying situation, taking the computer away might be too severe a consequence that wouldn't allow them to learn the skills of responsible, respectful online communication. Plus, kids can always use someone else's computer!
Talk to your kids about using the computer in accordance with your rules and expectations. And if they are cyberbullied, get a gauge on how severe it was. If it was very devastating to your kid, you might need to go beyond talking with the bully's parents and bring it to the attention of the school. Always explain to your kid that they can come to you—or another trusted adult—who will help solve the problem.
Information provided by Caroline Knorr, Parenting Editor of Common Sense Media. For more tips about teaching your kids to be safe online, visit Common Sense Media.
report abuseTalk to your kids about using the computer in accordance with your rules and expectations. And if they are cyberbullied, get a gauge on how severe it was. If it was very devastating to your kid, you might need to go beyond talking with the bully's parents and bring it to the attention of the school. Always explain to your kid that they can come to you—or another trusted adult—who will help solve the problem.
Information provided by Caroline Knorr, Parenting Editor of Common Sense Media. For more tips about teaching your kids to be safe online, visit Common Sense Media.
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