No matter how much pain it causes, children are often reluctant to tell parents or teachers about cyberbullying.

Spot the warning signs of cyberbullying

Your child may be the victim of cyberbullying if he or she -

• becomes sad, angry or distressed during or after using the Internet or a cellular phone.
• appears anxious when receiving a text, email or have been on social media websites.
• avoids discussions or is secretive about computer or cellular phone activities.
• withdraws from family, friends and activities they previously enjoyed.
• refuses to go to school or to specific classes, or avoids group activities.
• illustrate changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, appetite, or shows signs of depression or anxiety.

Prevent cyberbullying before it starts. Teach your children to -

• block communication with cyberbullies.
• never post or share their personal information online, including their full name(s), address(es), telephone number(s), the school’s name, parents’ names, credit card number(s), or their friends’ personal information.
• never share their Internet passwords with anyone, except you.
• talk to you about their life online.
• not put anything online that they would not want their classmates to see.
• not send messages when they are angry or upset.
• always be as polite online as they are in person.

 Monitor your child's technology use

Regardless of how much your child resents it, you can only protect him or her by monitoring what they do online.

• Keep the computer in a busy area of your house so that you can easily monitor its use, rather than, for example, allowing your child to use a laptop or tablet in his or her bedroom.
• Set up filters on your child's computer. Tracking software can block inappropriate web content and help you check up on your child's online activities.
• Insist on knowing your child's passwords and learn the common acronyms children use online and in text messages.
• Encourage your child to tell you or another trusted adult if they receive threatening messages or are otherwise targeted by cyberbullies.

If your child is a cyberbully

If your child has responded to being cyberbullied by employing their own cyberbullying tactics, you can help your child find better ways to deal with the problem. If your child has trouble managing strong emotions, such as anger, hurt or frustration, talk to a therapist about helping your child learn to cope with these feelings in a healthy way.

Tips for parents dealing with a cyberbully

• Educate your child about cyberbullying. Your child may not understand how hurtful or damaging their behaviour can be. Foster empathy and awareness by encouraging your child to look at their actions from the victim’s perspective. Remind your child that cyberbullying can have very serious legal consequences.
• Set limits with technology. Let your child know that you will be monitoring his or her use of computers, tablets, smartphones, email and text messaging. If necessary, remove access to technology until their behaviour improves.
• Establish consistent rules of behaviour. Make sure your child understands your rules and the punishment for breaking them. Children may not think they need discipline, but a lack of boundaries sends a signal that the child is unworthy of the parents’ time, care and attention.