There are many things that can be done to combat cyber bullying. The first and most essential thing a victim of cyber bullying must never do is respond to the bullying.
- Parents need to create a sharing environment for their children to the extent that the child will not hesitate to discuss any abusive or strange behavior with them. It is important that parents are involved at ground level in order for them to get the whole picture and not over-react or under-react. Children must not fear punishment for bringing any irregular cyber activity to their parents' attention. Although child safety is of paramount importance, parents must not take matters into their own hands; they need to work through the solutions with their children. If a parent suspects their child of being a bully it is their responsibility to ensure that the child is aware of the consequences of bullying. It is certainly not something to sit and laugh about around the dinner table.
- Information is a crucial element in the battle against bullying and the more that people know and understand about its harmful effects, the less likely they will be to continue with any bullying behavior on their part in the future.
- A great deal of cyber-bullying can also alleviated by increasing a computer's internet security.
- Help kids understand what cyber bullying is, why it is wrong, and the consequences for a student who engages in it.
- Encourage kids to seek help from an adult if they see cyber bullying.
- Help kids to be internet safety savvy. Let them know that they can't trust people they don't know online. Make sure that they know the dangers of sharing personal information and passwords with people other than their parents.
- Be sure they understand the consequences of posting photos online – it could affect their careers later in life.
- Parents should have access to their children’s accounts. Children should know that their parents are checking their online activities.
- Computers should be in a busy area of the house, not in bedrooms. Parents should also be aware of their children's cell phone use. Kids need their privacy but they also need to know that their parents have a responsibility to keep them safe.
- Children need to know that bullying is wrong and that if they are victimized it's not their fault.
Cyberbullying is a serious problem with devastating consequences for the victim and society.
