Cyber bullying is serious business. Online taunting of kids is driving them to low self-esteem, depression and even suicide. Unfortunately, it's not just children's peers who are doing the bullying; some of their parents are getting in on the action, creating fake profiles on social networking sites to tease their own child's enemies. It may be hard to prevent adults from cyber bullying children--after all, you can't tell another adult what to do the way you can with your child. But there are ways to keep kids safe from all online predators, including adults.
Step 1
Set rules for your child's online activities. Advise him not to talk to anyone he doesn't know online and to let you know right away if he receives any negative or threatening messages. It may be a good idea to only let him "friend" his peers and not their parents or older siblings.
Step 2
Get to know your child's friends' parents. Let them know that if your child and their child are having problems, you want to work together with everyone to find a solution. Just because the kids are fighting doesn't mean the parents have to.
Step 3
Look for signs that your child may be experiencing cyber bullying. According to the State of New York's Criminal Justice department, these signs may include unusual avoidance of the computer and cell phone, appearing stressed when receiving online or text messages, withdrawal, declining grades and other signs of depression.
Step 4
Address any incidents of cyber bullying with school officials, and involve the police if you think an adult may be the culprit. The bully may not realize how serious her actions are until a third party steps in.
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