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. This may be the easiest short-term solution, but it obviously does not address the underlying problem of interpersonal conflict. Moreover, it fails to eliminate current or future instances of cyberbullying victimization. Quick, 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. Such a response may also promote overt rebellion, as youth so inclined will find a way to use the technologies at different times and in different places - since they are indispensable components of 21st-century adolescence. Experts for bullying – bullying speakers guide parents and family how to overcome the issues.

The best tack parents can take when their child is cyberbullied is to convey unconditional support. They should do this at a time when their children seem really open to them. 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. Overall, parents must demonstrate to their children through words and actions that they both desire the same end result: that the cyberbullying stop and that life does not become even more difficult. This can be accomplished by working together to arrive at a mutually agreeable course of action. Parents can have talk with cyberbullying Speaker to understand what your child is facing the issue.

Parents also need to be prepared that if their child is the perpetrator, they have an obligation to do something about it.  They can start by discussing how cyberbullying (and bullying in general) affects others and discuss with cyberbullying expert. 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 (and reasonably) revoke other privileges. 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.

As a final point, civil and criminal remedies can be pursued should the circumstances warrant it.  The bullying expert will guide for actions based on defamation, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence.  Criminal law may be implicated when the behavior involves a threat to the physical safety or personal property of oneself or one’s family, stalking, can be characterized as a hate or bias crime (against protected populations), or involves sexually explicit images or the sexual exploitation of youth.  That said, we encourage adults to address these problems informally (but sternly) and leave litigation a last resort.