My Child Was Cyberbullied. . . What Can I Do About It?

Gather Documentation

Ask your teen to show you examples of the bullying (if any exists) and then start compiling the evidence. You can take screenshots, snap photos, print out information, and collect links. If you report the bullying, you will need this information to make your case.

Don’t Feed the Trolls

For the time being, tell your teen that they need to cut off all contact with their aggressors. You may want to have your child respond once, just to inform the bullies that their actions are harassment. Tell the perpetrators that further contact and/or cruelty will result in reporting the behavior to the school and authorities. (You don’t have to do this. However, make sure you make good on your promise.)

Next, if the harassment is happening over Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, inform the site’s administration. There’s a good chance that the bully is in violation of the terms of use and could have their profile removed.

Block Them

Consider blocking bullies from your child’s social media profiles, email addresses, and through the phone.
Read up on Cyberbullying Laws

Many states have anti-cyberbullying laws. Read up and find out if yours qualifies.

Offer Support

You know your child better than we do. If you fear that the bullying has had profound effects of your son or daughter’s psychological well being, consider seeking the advice of a therapist or school counselor. Surround your child with positive role models, encourage their friendships, and try to get them involved with activities and organizations that will allow them to express themselves and boost their confidence. When they feel validated, they’ll have a much easier time ignoring the haters.

What not to do:

• Overreact.
• Retaliate.
• Tell your child to ignore the problem.
• Assume the problem will fix itself.
• Become aggressive with the bully’s parents.
• Take away your child’s internet privileges or cell phone

As a parent, your child means more to you than anything else and seeing them become emotionally damaged at the hands of a cyberbully is devastating. It’s important that you step up and show your child that you are willing to protect them, no matter the extent of the bullying.

Tara Heath is a journalist and mother of two in California. She is passionate about parenting and using her own experience and knowledge to inform and encourage other parents.