Establishing Rules

Establishing Rules

Its important that parents create trust with there children. Parents need to have open and honest discussions. Make sure to check in constantly with your child about there experiences with digital devices and make sure everything is going alright. You as parents need to make sure to address any potential risks of cyberbullying and harm that may come with using these devices at hand.

How to Minimize Risks of Cyberbullying Parents can

• Set clear expectations for there child.
• Educate their child about the harmful risks about cyberbullying, posting hateful speech, and even sexting.
• Be clear what exactly what they want to be shared.
• Identify what apps are appropriate and safe for their child to be using.
• Establish the amount of time their child can be on a app or on their phone.
• Be positive online.

Its important to teach your child about cyberbullying and the digital behavior that comes with having a phone. Talk about these issues before even giving them a device. Help them learn about what to do if they are put into a cyberbullying situation. Doing so can support the situation and being a positive role model to others. There is a free app for parents and even teachers called SAMSHA'S free Knowbullying App that provides tips about bullying and safety concerns. 

Things your child can do if they witness bullying

• Don't participate: Do not share, like, or even comment. This may limit the damage that has been done about a person. 
• Do not respond Negatively: If a child must respond. Make sure they are clear and calm responses. Angry and negative responses may make the situation worse. Make sure to encourage not just children but adults also to step away from the device. This can cause someone to get calm. 
• Message the person who posted the hurtful message privately: If you feel safe doing so make sure to follow up on what is going on and why they posted what they did. Doing this may make it clear that they do not actually agree with what was actually posted if they did not actually post the message themselves. This may be a time you share your concerns with the person.
• Message the person who was targeted: Reach out to give sympathy to the person who was actually bullied themselves. If you have concerns about the person let them know you care. This may be a time to let them receive help if they need it.      

Sources:

“Establishing Rules.” StopBullying.gov, Department of Health and Human Services, www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/establishing-rules/index.html.