Cyberbullying: A Guidebook for Parents

Cyberbullying: A Guidebook for Parents

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying using electronic technology, which can include cell phones, tablets, computers, social media sites, text messages, chats and websites.

 According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, kids in third through fifth grades are experiencing an increase in cyberbullying and children with smartphones given to them at a younger age are more susceptible to being bullied.

Facts About Cyberbullying

• Three out of four teens know who is cyberbullying them. (National Crime Prevention Council)
• In a 2017 survey of young adults ages 13 to 24, 38% reported being a victim of cyberbullying themselves or having a close friend who was a victim.(Report Linker)
• Nearly 64% of teen social media users in 2018 say they come across racist, sexist, homophobic, or religious-based hate content in social media. (Common Sense Media)
• Adolescent girls are more likely to experience cyberbullying. (Cyberbullying Research Center)
• Girls are more likely to post mean comments online. Boys are more likely to post hurtful pictures or videos online.(Cyberbullying Research Center)
• LGBTQ youth are at special risk of being bullied. Up to 85% report having been verbally harassed and 40% physically assaulted. (Mental Health America)
• Bullying victims are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider committing suicide. (Yale University)

Parents need to understand the reality of the social platforms, both good and bad, that impact all of our lives – and most importantly – impact their children. Unlike schoolyard bullying, where one can pinpoint the bully, cyberbullying can be a crime with no known aggressor.

What You'll Learn in This Guide:

1. Who’s at Risk of Cyberbullying?
   Learn which types of kids are most commonly targeted for cyberbullying.
    
2. The Link Between Cyberbullying and Social Media
   The ability to hide behind a fake profile picture or private account can make it easy for a bully to launch personal attacks and not face the repercussions for their actions.
     
3. Types of Cyberbullying
   Are you familiar with these 11 types of cyberbullying?
     
4. 10 Signs to Help You Spot Cyberbullying
   Learn these 10 signs that can help you identify cyberbullying in your child's life.
    
5. What if Your Child is the Bully?
   Online bullies have a target audience—most often their friends and acquaintances.
6. How to Take Action Against Cyberbullying
   We provide you with the information you need to help you take charge of cyberbullying, should your child ever become a target.
    
7. Cyberbullying Checklist for Kids
   Keep this printable checklist handy for your child to easily identify cyberbullying and learn steps to safety.

To learn more about cyberbullying, download our FREE parent guide below.