Cyberbullying: Keeping your kids safe online

February 03, 2014

Playground bullying isn't new. Generations of school kids have dealt with this issue, and many parents know how to broach the topic with their children. But in today's world, schools and playgrounds aren't the only places kids are at risk of bullying and abuse. Violence, bullying and abuse prevention needs to also take the Internet into account..

Make sure you know the dangers that exist online and how to help your kids act smart and stay safe on the Web.

What is cyberbullying?
If the concept of cyberbullying is foreign to you, the first steps you need to take are to familiarize yourself with online activities in general. What websites and blogs are your kids visiting and how do they interact with others?

It may help to keep the computer in a common area, like the kitchen or the living room. Children should understand that parents need to monitor their activities but they shouldn't feel spied on - communicate with your kids so they know they can talk to you about their experiences online, including cyberbullying.

It's equally important to recognize the importance of online communication to your kids. The Internet has become a central part of our youths social interaction. If they're being bullied, restricting computer or smartphone use won't solve the problem. Instead, find more constructive ways of addressing the issue. You may want to report serious online harassment or physical threats to local police, the Internet Service Provider or software company.

Know the warning signs
Internet safety can be difficult to monitor, especially considering the growth in use of smartphones. Keep an eye out for warning signs that could indicate your child is the subject of cyberbullying or is engaging in otherwise unsafe behavior online. These may include:

• Excessive time spent on the Internet, especially combined with a reluctance to share what they are doing
• Pornographic content found on the computer
• Phone calls to or from unfamiliar adults, or phone calls to unfamiliar numbers
• Mail or gifts from someone you don't know
• Behaviour such as turning computer monitors off quickly or changing screens when you come in the room
• Withdrawn or antisocial behaviour

Not all of these may apply or indicate unsafe behaviour online or cyberbullying. As always, the most important thing is to communicate with your kids. Talk to them about their time online just as you would their day at school. Keep these other tips in mind as well:

• Talk about online safety upfront. Tell your kids about your concerns and set guidelines about Internet usage - such as no late-night computer or smartphone time or unmonitored webcam use.
• Use parental controls to limit kids' exposure to Web content. Internet filters and blocking software can be useful for this.
• Spend time with your kids online. Surf websites with them. Ask them to show you their favorite online hangouts or to be introduced to their chat buddies.
• Drive home the importance of not disclosing personal details online or sending pictures to people they don't know. This is especially important in light of modern smartphones, whose cameras facilitate the easy exchange of images. Kids need to understand that information and pictures placed on the Internet can't always be taken down.
• Explain to your kids that not everyone on the Internet is exactly who they claim to be.
• Make sure your kids know exactly how important they are to you. If they feel like they're in trouble, they shouldn't hesitate to come to you for help.

The Canadian Red Cross, one of the largest non-profit organizations in the country, encourages online safety education for families. Learn more about violence, bullying and abuse prevention at the Canadian Red Cross website.

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