In the previous blog I shared the sad story of Megan Meier as an example of cyber bullying. Although, parents can take many precautions, social networks like myspace can still be a very dangerous for teens and young adults like Megan. Below I have listed 10 helpful tips for parents and adults based off of personal knowledge and research in order to advise parents how to avoid another case like Megan’s.
1. Always know who your he or she are talking to online or on their phones.
- Be able to access and see all information he or she is talking about or posting online. The chances are if they think that it’s something you shouldn’t see, that means it probley shouldn’t be said.
- Make sure you’re his or her privacy settings are set on their accounts. Only sharing information with people you know and trust.( Megan did not know Josh personally but, only through myspace) Parents need to be aware of notices from social networks, because sometimes privacy settings change.
- Make sure all profile information and pictures are appropriate. Therefore, not sending the wrong type of message to viewers.
- Encourage him or her not respond to cyberbullying. Many people post ,text ,or use name-calling to get a reaction. If someone has posted or sent a message that could be hurtful to others, encourage them to be the more mature person and refuse to pass it along or respond to it.
- Parents should keep evidence of cyberbullying. Keep records of dates, times and descriptions of instances when cyberbullying has occurred. Save and print screenshots, e-mails, and text messages.
- Block the person who is cyberbullying. Many websites and phone companies let you block people. Also, cyberbullying may violate the “Terms and Conditions” of these services. Consider contacting the service provider to file a complaint.
- Parents and teachers need to report any incidents to school administrators. They may be able to help you resolve the cyberbullying or be watchful for face-to-face bullying. All incidents need to be reported no matter how minor the case.
- Encourage he or she to Ask for help. Sometimes, talking to a counselor or health professional can help them get through the emotional effects of bullying. If they don’t want to talk to a health care professional encourage them to talk to someone they trust and can open up too.
- Be aware . Today’s generation of children are extremely exposed to many situations that a parent or teacher cannot always prepare a person for, yes children and students need to learn on their own. However, parents and teachers need to always be aware of what is going on in case they need to intervene because the problem is becoming a life threatening situation.
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