Cyberbullying
These days, bullying involves more than pushing a child down on the playground.
Modern kids face cyber-bullying, which is using the Internet, cell phones, or other devices with the willful intention of hurting, harming, or embarrassing another person. The range of cyber-bullying behaviors run the gamut, including name-calling, spreading gossip, threats, teasing, sexual harassment, hate speech, deception by someone who is misrepresenting themselves, and posting false statements as fact aimed at humiliation.
The sad truth is that 42% of kids have been bullied while online. with one in four saying that it’s happened more than once. Perhaps more disturbing is that 58% have not told their parents or an adult about something mean or hurtful that happened to them online.
Parents need to know about cyber-bullying — and have the tools for dealing with it. I can advise parents on how to build a strong foundation of trust and communication, which can ultimately keep your child safe.
Do you want to:
- Understand cyber-bullying and how it occurs?
- Develop good communication so your kids feel comfortable talking to you about it?
- Come up with a plan of action if your child is being bullied?
- Understand the line between your child’s privacy and keeping them safe?
- Outline your expectations for responsible online behavior and develop consequences for inappropriate behavior