Cyberbullying: What Can Parents Do About It

Bullying has long been a problem that worries every parent, and technology has only made it easier for kids to be victims of bullying in and out of school. While many of us are no stranger to harassing online behavior — four in ten adults have been subjected to online harassment — it’s not something that we want our kids to have to experience, given the effects it has on adolescents and teens. Fortunately, there are increasing legal options for parents to protect their kids against cyberbullying.

What constitutes cyberbullying As terrible as classroom or schoolyard bullying are, it used to be that at least students could be safe within the walls of their own home. Sadly, with the advent of cyberbullying, a child being bullied can receive hurtful, demeaning, or even threatening messages through:

Text Messages | Messaging Apps | Social Media | Email

Cyberbullying presents particular harm in that it enables persistent targeting, and social media offers a forum where those messages can be amplified and malicious statements, even if untrue, can live permanently. Critically, all of this takes place outside of the purview of parents and teachers, which means adults may have no idea of the source of a child’s depression and anxiety, even if they can plainly see the effects. 4 Warning Signs that your child might be a Cyberbully Victim

Withdrawal from friends and family;

Changed behavior in schoolwork or home life;

Nervousness or secrecy about digital devices and what happens on them; or

Changes in mood, appetite, and sleep.

What can parents do about cyberbullying

We can’t stamp out cyberbullying entirely, but parents and guardians can help kids to avoid and fight back against it when the bullying arises. As much as your child may hate it, parents should be aware of what kids are doing online. Also, look for the warning signs outlined above, particularly if those mood and behavior changes correspond with device use. In cases of bullying through social media, parents should use the block and reporting features offered by most platforms and document instances of bullying for use with school administrators or law enforcement. Parents can also avail themselves of anti-bullying policies in place at schools and possibly anti-bullying and cyberbullying laws that may be on the books in their state. Even though cyberbullying may occur after hours and off school grounds, it often takes place between classmates and can be magnified by other students. Most schools have their anti-bullying policies available online, and any responsible administrator will treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves.

Are there legal steps I can take if my child is cyberbullied?

In instances that rise above social media blocking and reporting to school, cyberbullying may be a legal issue, and parents can choose to take steps to resolve the problem. Almost every state has laws regarding cyberbullying. While not each has language covering off-campus incidents, federal law allows schools to take action in cases where off-site bullying affects the ability of students to learn and function at school. Cases involving threats of violence, invasion of privacy, sexually explicit photos or messages, or hate crimes rise to the level of criminality and should be reported to the police. We try to do what we can to protect our kids from anything that threatens their health and happiness, but occasionally we need help in doing so. With questions about how to handle cyberbullying, reaching out to an attorney to discuss options ensures that the proper steps are taken to stop and prevent the problem.

Cyberimpac Group "SafeGuardOurKids911" Bullying

Carl Nelepovitz #safeguardourkids911 #cyberimpacgroup #cyberimpac #cnelepovitz

This letter is a recommendation for having Carl Nelepovitz as a guest speaker.

I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to invite Carl to talk about Internet Safety with my 8th-grade Career Education and Business Leadership students at Caloosa Middle School for the last three years. He is a terrific speaker and educates students about the information they were not aware of in the past.

My students voted Carl as the “preferred speaker” of the year last year. Students relate to Carl and listen intently to every word. They are shocked of the information he provides and discusses his visits all year.

Many students decide to change or delete their “Facebook” profiles after hearing their real-life stories. This is such important information for our future leaders. Carl makes quite an impression on them that will help keep them safe from harm.

Carl shares personal experience along with his stories that make students aware of the severity of placing the wrong information on the Internet. Students are moved by the reality of what could happen to them.

Additionally, students are shocked to find pictures of their houses on the Internet by typing in their phone numbers. Last year, a student not only found his house on the Internet but in the picture, all of the household children and the dog were included as they played in the front of the house!

Occasionally, I invite other classes to join us. At the end of one of my classes last year, about five 7th grade students came up to my desk to ask me how to get into my class next year. This is such great testimony!

Carl is an unusual person. He has compassion for life and is a positive person that sees “the glass half full” as opposed to half empty. He enjoys educating and inspiring our youth. What a great experience for all students that have the opportunity to hear him talk. I highly recommend Carl as a speaker.

If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at 574-3232 or contact me by email at annmt@leeschools.net.