Take That You Cyber Bully

Posted Apr 2, 2009 by Mary Shedden

Updated Apr 2, 2009 at 08:45 AM

An astronomic cell phone bill isn’t the only risk tied to your kid getting a cell phone. Bullying is alive and well too.

Cyber bullying - where your kid is taunted on line and on their cell phone - is a real problem. And the emotional torture could be taking place right in front of you.

Our 4you expert, University of South Florida doc Eric Storch, shares his take on the problem. He cites a recent study that found 11 percent of the more than 3,700 middle school students surveyed had been electronically bullied in the previous two months. He also offers some great advice on how to protect your kid.

As a parent, it’s your first responsibility to protect your child. But isn’t it also equally important that we teach them the skills to navigate the world - which most definitely includes the digital mediums. My kid knows, for example, that I can check his text messages at any time - since I pay the bills. But I also don’t stand over his shoulder for each e-mail and text he sends.

What other strategies can we use to avoid an environment of harassment?