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Understand, Prevent, and Address Cyberbullying
Submitted on: September 15, 2022
Understand, Prevent, and Address Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying (sometimes called “electronic bullying”) is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, inappropriate, or mean content about someone else. The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) indicates that an estimated 15.7% of high school students were electronically bullied in the 12 months prior to the survey.
What Can Parents Do?
Parents can create trust with children by having open, honest discussions about cyberbullying. These conversations are important because they give parents an opportunity to establish rules for appropriate online behavior. If you think your child has been involved in cyberbullying, there are ways you can support them:
- Notice: Recognize if there has been a change in mood or behavior around a child’s use of their digital devices.
- Talk: Ask questions to learn what is happening, how it started, and who is involved.
- Support: Peers, mentors, and trusted adults can sometimes intervene publicly to positively influence a situation where cyberbullying has occurred.
- Document: Keep a record of what is happening and where. Take screenshots of harmful posts or content if possible.
- Report: Most social media platforms and schools have clear policies and reporting processes. If a classmate is cyberbullying, report it to the school. You can also contact apps or social media platforms to report damaging content and have it removed.
There are many different ways a child can become involved in cyberbullying. By keeping an open line of communication with kids about cyberbullying and educating them about cyberbullying risks, you can help minimize the risk of cyberbullying.
Learn more on StopBullying.gov. |
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More Resources to Help Stop Cyberbullying
- Learn more about what cyberbullying is.
- Discover tips on how to talk to your child about appropriate online behavior.
- Read about the most common cyberbullying tactics.
- Learn more about what kids should do if they experience cyberbullying, and how to report the occurrence.
- Watch this video for examples of different cyberbullying situations to learn how you and your child should respond.
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