Cyberbullying

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What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying or cyber harassment is when your child, pre-teen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones.

The thought of your child feeling deep shame or low self-esteem due to what his or her peers are posting or sending through the web and cell phones could make you feel like you lack control in helping to resolve issues of cyberbullying. Anything could be further from the truth.

You are your child's biggest advocate, protector, and line of defense. It is your duty to monitor your child's activities online, what they are receiving and also what they are sending. It is quite possible that your child may be causing stress or harm to another child's emotional well-being.

Ethics, independent thinking, transparency, and proper responses to threats are all learned and nurtured. With your help, your child will have a plan for how to deal with cyberbullying when it happens to them or someone they know.

What Cyberbullying Looks Like

  • Sending mean messages to someone
  • Spreading rumors on public forums
  • Using a fake profile to trick or deceive someone
  • Using a fake profile to trick or deceive someone
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Where Cyberbullying Typically Occurs

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  • Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter
  • SMS (Short Message Service) also known as Text Message sent through devices
  • Instant Message (via devices, email provider services, apps, and social media messaging features)
  • Email

Warning Signs of Cyberbullying

Your child may be a victim of cyberbullying if you notice the following:
  • Become withdrawn or unsocial
  • Have trouble sleeping
  • Avoid going online or using their phones
  • Quickly close Web pages if someone comes near
  • Avoids or refuse going to school
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