Q: I'm worried about cyberbullying. How can I protect my middle schooler from this kind of bullying?
A: Cyberbullying occurs when someone sends hurtful messages online or by cell phone. It can take many forms, such as writing rude comments, spreading rumors, and posting embarrassing pictures.
Your child can discourage cyberbullying by giving personal information (name, e-mail address, cell phone number, Facebook profile) only to friends. If she receives nasty e-mails or text messages, she should not respond. Explain that replying just gives the person the satisfaction of having upset her. A thing to do is simply log off the computer or turn off the cell phone.
Let your youngster know she should tell an adult if she is experiencing cyberbullying. You can report problems to your Internet provider, the police, or school authorities (if it occurs in school).