Get Involved in your Child’s Online Life!

You are probably asking yourself what you can do to protect your children and as with other troubles in life, prevention is often the best defense.

There are a number of steps that you can take in order to prevent your children from becoming cyberbullying victim.
•First talk to your children about respecting others and tell them about that bullying hurts. Explain that the rules for interacting with people in real life also apply for interacting online or through cell phones.
•Tell your children about the results that they could suffer if they misuse the technology (e.g., damaging their reputation, getting in trouble at school or with the police).
•Demonstrate correct Internet use! Your children learn from your behavior and imitate it. Never joke or harass about others while online, especially around your children.
•Become involved in your children cyberspace. Monitor their online activities but use caution when doing this. Ask them if they have ever been harassed or ridiculed and encourage them to tell you if this happens.
•Set time limits on Internet use: limit the number of hours per day and also the times during the day when your children are allowed to surf. More often than not, cyber bullying occurs late at night
•Place the computer in a family room or somewhere visible (not in your child’s bedroom).