Cyberbullying

Thousands of young people are targets of bullying and cyberbullying every day, putting many at risk for outcomes such as depression or school absenteeism. Working with kids to create ways to address these issues is an important responsibility for adults. For example, adults can help those who are targets of …

Going back to school is a milestone for parents, caregivers and children. It’s a time of transition when children and teens may be both excited and nervous about entering a new grade or school. As you prepare for this new school year, take time to reflect with your child about …

With constantly evolving and new technologies and apps, people are spending a lot of time online and on smartphones. Texting, apps, and social media have become a primary way to communicate. While we can now connect more quickly and easily, if messages are ill intended and hurtful, the virtual abuse …

More and more, law-enforcement officers are being called in to handle cases of cyberbullying among kids and teens. If you aren’t familiar with the term, cyberbullying is bullying through technology, such as computers and cell phones. You may have seen cases in the news where police were involved as part …

Image Most teenagers have smartphones. Even before social distancing guidelines took effect, teenagers spent a lot of time on their phones and online. Social media and online platforms provide ways to connect and share thoughts with friends, acquaintances, and others. It can also be a place where conversations can quickly …

In the world of social media and online networking, the issue of safety continuously arises, particularly among teenagers.  Cyberbullying, bullying that takes place using electronic technology, has unique challenges when compared to more traditional forms of bullying. Parents need to be aware of what their teens are doing online and talk …

On April 27, 2020, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention at the Department of Justice hosted an online webinar, “Understanding and Combatting Cyberbullying and Digital/Online Hate.” Watch the Webinar Objectives To provide an overview of cyber hate and cyberbullying and how they reach and affect our nation’s youth …

Back when MySpace was popular, almost every student at my high school had a profile. For us MySpace was an online-place where we could thoroughly express ourselves. We would post pictures from our latest and greatest adventures, update our status to our current mood, and choose backgrounds and music that …

Image Pictured (from left): Bethany Miller, HRSA, Injury and Violence Prevention Team Lead; Justine Larson, SAMHSA, Senior Medical Advisor; RADM Kerry Nesseler, HRSA, Director of the Office of Global Health; Nicole White, ED, Education Program Specialist Recently, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) hosted a special visit with representatives …

On August 20, 2018, the biannual Federal Bullying Prevention Summit took place in Rockville, MD. This year’s theme was cyberbullying and was hosted by the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention, joined by former First Lady Melania Trump. Senior officials from the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and …

Anticipate potential problems or risks with your child Having conversations about phone use and cyberbullying before any problems arise can set the tone that you are open and will be thoughtful, if they should happen to need you. Remember if they do not come to you at all when things …

When kids are electronically (cyber) bullied, it can be hard for parents to detect, until it becomes an overwhelming issue. A cyberbully can be a close friend or a faceless entity, a single force or a group of people. Often kids and teens don’t share their online interactions with their parents, until …

What is Cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites. Cyberbullying is similar to traditional bullying in many ways; however, the …

Stand Up to Bullying YouTube video Today’s kids use technology more than ever. While technology can be a great tool to communicate, learn, and socialize, it can also be used in harmful ways, and allow some kids to take bullying from school hallways into cyberspace. Cyberbullying happens when kids bully …

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or …

The digital world is constantly evolving with new social media platforms, apps, and devices, and children and teens are often the first to use them. Some negative things that may occur include cyberbullying, sexting, posting hateful messages or content, and participating in negative group conversations. If your child posts harmful …

It is important to understand how children are cyberbullied so it can be easily recognized and action can be taken. Some of the most common cyberbullying tactics include: Posting comments or rumors about someone online that are mean, hurtful, or embarrassing. Threatening to hurt someone or telling them to kill …

Be Aware of What Your Kids are Doing Online A child may be involved in cyberbullying in several ways. A child can be bullied, bully others, or witness bullying. Parents, teachers, and other adults may not be aware of all the digital media  and apps that a child is using. …

When cyberbullying happens, it is important to document and report the behavior so it can be addressed. Steps to Take Immediately Don’t respond to and don’t forward cyberbullying messages. Keep evidence of cyberbullying. Record the dates, times, and descriptions of instances when cyberbullying has occurred. Save and print screenshots, emails, …

Digital media and apps allow children to communicate and express their creativity, connect with peers, and share their feelings. However, they can be an avenue through which cyberbullying occurs. There are many types of apps and sites available for free that give users the ability to search for people and …

Playing videogames is a popular activity, with 70 percent of youth under the age of 18 playing videogames. Some games are solitary or single-player games; others are multi-player. Multi-player games – whether they are played on a computer, game console, handheld system, smartphone, or tablet – allow users to play …

Tips for Parents: Talk to Your Child about Appropriate Digital Behavior and Content Parents create trust with children by initiating open, honest discussions. These dialogues are an opportunity to communicate values and expectations about your family’s appropriate digital behavior, including viewing or sharing content, and apps they can and cannot use. …

Warning Signs a Child Is Being Cyberbullied or Is Cyberbullying A child may be involved in cyberbullying in several ways. A child can be bullied, bully others, or witness bullying. Parents, teachers, and other adults may not be aware of all the social media platforms and apps that a child …

What is a “Hater?” “Hater” is a label used to refer to people who use negative and critical comments and behavior to bring another person down by making them look or feel bad. These hurtful and negative comments can be delivered in person, online, or in texts and apps. Often, …