What is Cyberbullying and how can I help my kid?
Cyberbullying is the new form of bullying that makes use of the diverse range of technology now available. The National Children’s Home says that this phenomenon which includes using email, text, chat rooms, mobile phones, mobile phone cameras and web sites to harass or bully others is being used by children and adolescents world wide. The Internet is unique in that it is a person-to-person communication and it can also be used as a mass medium, like the radio or television (Campbell, 2005).
Nevada Family, a magazine published by CCSD, published the following tips for parents to prevent cyberbullying in the home:
Nevada Family, a magazine published by CCSD, published the following tips for parents to prevent cyberbullying in the home:
- Move home computers into easily viewable areas of the house.
- Talk with your children regularly about their online activities.
- Encourage your child to tell if he/she is being bullied or knows of others who are.
- Consider installing parental control filtering software.
- Helpful cyber-safety Web sites include: StopCyberbullying.org; FBI.gov; WiredSafety.org and netsmartz.org. (2007)
