What to Do When Faced With Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a new form of bullying that a child is faced with on the internet or when using interactive and digital technologies. Cyberbullying can affect children, pre-teens and teenagers. Cyberbullying can range from torment, threats, harassment, humiliation or embarrassment. Cyberbullying, like bullying can be distressing and hurtful to children. Consider four steps to take if your child is faced with cyperbullying.

Since the victim isn't immediately in front of the individual, cyberbullying is easier for the bully to perform. While your first reaction is to delete the harmful information, it may be a better idea to keep the information. This way you have proof when you need to report cyberbullying. Therefore, you should save and print anything harmful that is written as well as bookmarking the website.

Second, teach your child not to becoming involved in cyberbullying. If your child replies with a hurtful comment it will cause more trouble and possibly leads to actions you will regret. Rather teach your child to remain calm and to realize that it is okay to be upset, but responding with further cyberbullying won't solve the problem.

While email addresses and screen names make it difficult to identify a person it is important that you try to find the guilty individual. Write down the email or screen name and then check your email inbox to see if you have ever received an email from the individual before. If not then you can go to the email provider and search for the screen name. If you can't find the individual then it can be a good idea to get others involved, such as family or friends. Often these individuals can help you track an IP address to find the guilty party.

Once you have found the guilty party it important to approach them in person. When you are upfront and meet them in person it is likely to scare them away and prevent further issues of cyberbullying. However, if the individual doesn't seem intimidating or the situation develops into something worse then you will need to contact an adult to intervene since charges may need to be pressed.

by Deshea R Witcher