Cyberbullying: Know the Signs
Of course, things will still happen and your child may become a victim regardless of what you teach them. It is important to know the warning signs so that you can tell when something is wrong. Laying a good foundation of open communication with your child is a good start and will help you pick up on the warning signs early. The signs may be subtle and barely discernible. A child who is the victim of a cyberbully often feels embarrassed. They may be afraid that you will overreact and to postal on their tormentor which could, they fear, make things worse. They may fear that you will pull the plug on their internet, limiting their activities and restricting their use of cell phones and internet. In short, they aren’t likely to tell you if they are being bullied. This means that you have to be on your toes and paying attention. These warning signs will help to tip you off:- After using the computer or cell phone, your child seems angry, agitated, sad or upset.
- Your child begins to withdraw from friends and stops doing activities that they once enjoyed.
- Problems at school arise, from declining grades to behavior problems. A child who once loved school may suddenly hate it.
- Symptoms of depression that may appear suddenly or sporadically.
Take Action
When you witness these warning signs, try talking with your child to find out what is going on. Let them know that you care and are concerned about their welfare. Reassure them that you do not intend to take away their computer or cell phone, do anything to make matters worse or restrict their activities in an effort to protect them. Let them know that you just want to help. If your child reveals to you that they are the victim of a cyberbully, you and your child need to work together to stop the harassment. By engaging your child in the process, you are not only empowering them to fight against the abuse, you are also sending them a strong, positive message that you believe they are strong enough to fight. • Print out any messages, emails, online posting, etc. Try to show as much information as possible, regarding date, time, the person who wrote it and the IP address if possible- Save text messages and voicemails.
- Tell the cyberbully to stop harassing your child.
What are the warning signs that my child is being cyberbullied?
Cyberbullied children often hide what is happening because they fear you will take away their device or escalate things in a way that makes it worse. Watch for these signs after your child uses a phone or computer: they seem angry, sad, or agitated; they withdraw from friends or drop activities they once loved; school performance drops or behavior problems appear; sleep or appetite changes significantly; or you notice signs of depression or self-harm. A child who suddenly avoids screens entirely, when they previously enjoyed them, may also be protecting a painful online experience from your awareness.
What should I do if my child is being cyberbullied?
Start by reassuring your child you will not overreact, take away their devices, or make matters worse. Working with them — not just for them — empowers them and shows you believe they are strong enough to fight back. Document everything: print out messages, emails, and posts with dates, times, and IP addresses if possible; save voicemails and text messages. Contact the bully’s internet service provider and cell phone provider to file formal complaints. If the bully is a peer, notify their parents in a certified letter including copies of your evidence. If the harassment occurs through school or involves someone from your child’s school, inform school administration. If any messages contain threats of harm or are sexual in nature, contact the police immediately.
What is sexting, and how do I talk to my teen about it?
Sexting refers to sending or receiving sexually explicit photos, videos, or messages through a phone or app. What teenagers may see as a private moment between two people can spread instantly and permanently — reaching schools, communities, and beyond the original recipient. The consequences can be devastating. Open, non-judgmental conversations with your teen before these situations arise are the most powerful prevention tool you have. Let your teen know that intimate images, once shared digitally, are almost impossible to fully retract, and that pressure from a partner to send such images is itself a red flag worth discussing with a trusted adult.
How can I talk to my child about online dangers without making them afraid to come to me?
The key is listening more than you lecture. When children sense that a conversation with a parent will end in punishment or panic, they stop having those conversations. Make it clear that your first response will be to listen and help, not to take away their phone or post angrily on social media. Ask about their friends, what is happening online, and who they talk to. The more present and curious you are in their daily digital life, the more likely they are to bring a problem to you when it is still manageable rather than after it has already escalated.
