CYBERBULLYING
AS A PARENT,
you should know
that playgrounds and schoolyards aren’t
the only places where bullies hang out—
they can also be found in cyberspace.
Cyberbullying occurs when bullies use
the Internet, cellphones or other technol-
ogy to hurt or embarrass someone. It’s a
common problem among teens.
Examples of cyberbullying include:
• Sending hurtful, rude or mean text
messages
• Emailing rumors or lies about someone
or posting them on social networks
If you think or know that your child is
being cyberbullied:
• Don’t ignore the problem or hope it
will go away. Instead, talk to your child
about it and reassure him or her that
the situation can be handled.
What
you
can do
to help
your
child
• Tell your child not to respond to
the bullying—it may only make it
worse.
• Block the person who is cyberbullying.
Many websites and phone companies
will let you do this.
• Document bullying incidents, and re-
port threats or other criminal behavior
to the police.
• Check with your child to make sure
the cyberbullying has stopped. If
not, contact the appropriate people,
websites or companies again or
talk with an attorney. Kids who
are bullied are at risk for having
emotional and physical problems,
including increased thoughts about
suicide.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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