We continue our conversation with Sameer Hinduja, co-founder of the Cyberbullying Research Center and noted expert in the field. Today we’re going to be talking about what to do when a child seems to be involved in cyberbullying.

Before we get into what a parent can do, does your research suggest that the problem is potentially severe enough to require immediate action by the parent?

Parents should absolutely be concerned about cyberbullying because it affects a sizable percentage of youth. According to research we and others have conducted, cyberbullying victims have lower self-esteem, increased suicidal ideation, and a variety of emotional responses, including being scared, frustrated, angry, and depressed. We have also identified a link between victimization and some forms of school delinquency and peer aggression.

What can parents do to help and copmfort a child that is being targeted?

Many parents respond to their child’s victimization by immediately banning access to instant messaging, e-mail, social networking Web sites, or the Internet in general. Knee-jerk, defensive reactions to difficult experiences their child has bravely shared with them will likely close off a candid line of communication, which must be maintained. The best tack parents can take when their child is cyberbullied is to convey unconditional support. Overall, parents must demonstrate to their children that they both desire the same end result: that the cyberbullying stop and that life does not become even more difficult.

Parents should solicit the child’s perspective as to what might be done to improve the situation. If necessary, they should explain the importance of scheduling a meeting with school administrators (or a teacher they trust) to discuss the matter.

What about when their child is doing the cyberbullying?

Depending on the level of seriousness of the incident, and whether it seems that the child has realized the inappropriate nature of his or her behavior, consequences should be applied. Parents may revoke their child’s Internet or cell phone use for a period of time or temporarily revoke other privileges (remember to be reasonable). If the behavior was particularly serious, parents may want to consider installing tracking or filtering software as a consequence as well. Moving forward, it is essential that parents pay even greater attention to the Internet and cell phone activities of their children to make sure that they have internalized the lesson and are acting in appropriate and responsible ways.

Check back tomorrow for more with Sameer.

Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., is the co-founder of the Cyberbullying Research Center, an information clearinghouse on the topic including a blog, research, presentations, and downloadable publications.

Filed under: Internet Safety News