What Every Parent Should Know About Cyberbullying

Despite anti-bullying messages, bullying seems to be on the rise, especially with the prevalence of social media. In the past, if a kid was experiencing bullying at school, they could at least feel safe at home. But if a teen is being bullied through social media, they cannot escape it just by going home.

The most common places where cyberbullying occurs is through text messages, social media, and email. Teens today are spending an abundance of time socializing through these platforms, increasing their chances of being exposed to cyberbullying. One of the problems with cyberbullying is that it can be hard for parents to recognize that it is happening.

Some signs that your teen might be cyberbullying or being cyberbullied by others can include a teen becoming withdrawn, depressed, a noticeable increase or decrease in social media use or texting, or a teen showing an emotional response to what is happing on their electronic device.

It is important for parents to have open dialogue with their teens about having a healthy relationship with social media and their electronics. It can also be helpful for parents to stay up to date on the latest popular apps and websites. Your teen should understand online safety, as well as how to recognize inappropriate or harmful content. It is also important to help teens understand that what they post online can have a negative impact on their relationships, as well as college and employment opportunities.

Elizabeth Kraich, LAPC