Parents' Guide to Cyberbullying

Backgrounder

What is Cyberbullying?

As its name implies, cyberbullying is bullying through an electronic medium, such as a computer or cell phone.

The Internet’s reach and perceived anonymity means that children who might not otherwise initiate bullying may initiate this sort of behaviour, and an unlimited number of young people may become bystanders who perpetuate the victimization as they read and forward harassing messages and/or images.

It is extremely important that young people learn how to respond to cyberbullying. Adults can help.

How do I Know Whether My Child is the Target of Cyberbullying?

Signs that your child is being bullied online include fear of using the computer or going to school, anxiety and psychological distress, and withdrawal from friends and usual activities.

What Should I do if My Child is Targeted?

• Report the cyberbullying to your local police. The abuser is probably breaking other laws, too.
• You can also call the tip line at the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
• Meet with school officials if your child is being bullied by a peer at school.
• File a complaint:
  • For bullying using e-mail or instant messaging (IM), contact the Internet Service Provider (ISP) of the perpetrator at <contact@ispname> or <abuse@ispname>. Forward offending e-mails or IM message logs to the ISP with your complaint.
  • For bullying material posted on a Web site, use the Contact Us section of the site and ask to have the material removed.
  • For bullying through a cell phone, have your service provider trace the call and contact the perpetrator’s service provider.

How can I Prevent Cyberbullying?

As a large portion of cyberbullying occurs in the home, you must get better informed about your children’s online activities. Get involved and talk to your child about behaving ethically online.

Establish rules regarding appropriate Internet use. MediaSmarts research shows that these rules have a very positive impact on your children’s online behaviour. You can consult MediaSmarts' resources on developing household Internet rules.

Urge your children to come to you as soon as they feel uncomfortable or threatened online.

What Should I Avoid Doing if My Child is a Target of Cyberbullying?

It can be difficult for a young person to come forward when being bullied; even to mum or dad. To foster a climate of trust, do not overreact. Do not forbid your child to use the Internet in the hope of eliminating the source of the problem: for your child, this is the equivalent of social death and will leave her or him feeling even more victimized (not to mention the fact that an extreme reaction such as this will probably cause your child to avoid confiding in you again when feeling threatened).

How Can I Learn More?

As much as possible, show an interest in your child’s online life: where does he or she go online? What does he or she do? What is it about these online experiences that are so absorbing? If you’re in the habit of sharing your own online experiences with your child, she or he will be more likely to talk to you when having a negative experience.

If you want to better understand your child’s online experience, go to MediaSmarts' BeWebAware site at http://www.bewebaware.ca.