What role can parents play in reducing cyberbullying?

Answer 1

The following comes from the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP), which I believe to be the best prevention and intervention initiative for K – 12 schools.

Tips for Parents: What to Do If Your Child Is Being Bullied

• Never tell your child to ignore the bullying.

• Don’t blame your child for the bullying. Don’t assume your child did something to provoke the bullying.

• Allow your child to talk about his or her bullying experiences. Write down what is shared.

• Empathize with your child. Tell him or her that bullying is wrong, that it is not his or her fault, and that you are glad he or she had the courage to tell you about it.

• If you disagree with how your child handled the bullying situation, don’t criticize him or her. It is often very difficult for children to know how best to respond.

• Do not encourage physical retaliation.

• Check your emotions. A parent’s protective instincts stir strong emotions. Although it is difficult, step back and consider the next steps carefully.

• Contact a teacher, school counselor, or principal at your school immediately and share your concerns about the bullying that your child has experienced.

• Work closely with school personnel to help solve the problem.

• Encourage your child to develop interests and hobbies that will help build resiliency in difficult situations like bullying.

• Encourage your child to make contact with friendly students in his or her class, or help your child meet new friends outside of school.

• Teach your child safety strategies, such as how to seek help from an adult.

• Make sure your child has a safe and loving home environment.

• If you or your child needs additional help, seek help from a school counselor and/or mental health professional.

This list has been adapted from a publication originally created for “Take a Stand. Lend a Hand. Stop Bullying Now!” a campaign of the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.