Cyberbulling Unplugge

Spot it

Deal with it

Cyberbullying is the use of Internet technologies to tease, humiliate, and harass someone. It might be mean text messages sent at all hours of the day, or degrading comments about someone posted to a website. Cyberbullying can have devastating effects on children, so learn about the issue and how to help your child deal with it.

A child who is being cyberbullied may:Avoid using computers, and other technological devicesAppear stressed when receiving an e-mail, instant message or text. Withdraw from family and friendsAct reluctant to attend school and social eventsAvoid conversations about computer useExhibit signs of low self-esteem including depression and / or fear Have declining gradesStop eating or sleepingIn serious cases, consider suicide

Ask your childHas anyone ever been mean with you online? How did you respond?Have you ever been mean to anyone online? Why?Is it OK to forward a text message making fun of someone? Why or why not? Do you know you school’s policy on bullying?Which teacher would you talk to if you were being bullied?

Talk about it

If your chid is being bullied, teach them too:Not respondSave the evidenceReport it to the website and/or internet service provider

Also you shouldMeet with school administrators to discuss a plan of action and their bullying/cyberbullying policyTalk about the situation with the bully’s parents

uKnowKids.com/TipSheets

Teach teens early on that selfies, social media posts, and the feedback they receive on social media should not be tied to their self-worth1

Inform your kids to be aware of the world around them at all times before taking pictures or texting friends2

SELFIE SAFETY TIP SHEET

Ensure that your teens are using proper privacy settings throughout their social media accounts3

Instruct teens to be careful about the settings and items that are featured in selfies, as predators and identity thieves can easily piece together clues about one’s personal details in photos

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Although many teens know that they shouldn’t be texting or taking selfies while driving, remind them that distracted driving is a huge danger for new drivers

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Advise teens to only post selfies (or anything on social media) that they would be comfortable sharing with the world6

Help your teens cultivate a healthy relationship with the practice of taking and sharing selfies. Encourage them to share selfies for the right reasons, like exhibiting self-expression

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Keep tabs on your teens’ digital and texting activities through uKnowKids to ensure that your teens aren’t posting or sending inappropriate selfies

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