Cyberbullying Prevention

Hey Peachtree Corners, lately I have been doing alot of research about social media as it relates to bullying and cyberbullying. The two problems are identical just delivered in a different method and are just as harmful. As technology continues to change how people communicate I think it is important for parents as well as kids to stay informed on these types of incidents. I have put together a few tips to get some awareness out to you guys and hopefully it will be as eye opening to you as it was to me since I too have kids.

Be Aware of What Your Kids are Doing Online!!

Talk with your kids about cyberbullying and other online issues regularly.

• Know the sites your kids visit and their online activities. Ask where they’re going, what they’re doing, and who they’re doing it with.
• Tell your kids that as a responsible parent you may review their online communications if you think there is reason for concern. Installing parental control filtering software or monitoring programs are one option for monitoring your child’s online behavior, but do not rely solely on these tools.
• Have a sense of what they do online and in texts. Learn about the sites they like. Try out the devices they use.
• Ask for their passwords, but tell them you’ll only use them in case of emergency.
• Ask to “friend” or “follow” your kids on social media sites or ask another trusted adult to do so.
• Encourage your kids to tell you immediately if they, or someone they know, is being cyberbullied. Explain that you will not take away their computers or cell phones if they confide in you about a problem they are having.