Common Sense Media parenting expert Caroline Knorr answers questions about parenting, media, and everything in between.
Q: What can I tell my kid to do if he or she is being cyberbullied?
A: Kids may not always recognize teasing as bullying. Some kids also may be too embarrassed or ashamed to talk to their parents about it. That's why it's important to talk about online and digital behavior before your child starts interacting with others online and with devices. To prepare your kid for going online or getting a cell phone, or, if you know he or she has been bullied online, offer these steps he or she can take immediately:
- Sign off the computer. Ignore the attacks and walk away from the cyberbully.
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