You walk by the computer when your son is online. The message on the screen uses words that are cruel and threatening.

Today, bullying has left the classroom and gone online. This so-called “cyberbullying” is becoming a real concern. Teens set up web logs (blogs) that make fun of others. They send threatening messages. They take pictures in locker rooms and then post them on the Internet.

If your child is the victim of a cyberbully, he may be facing problems with bullies at school, too.

Take steps immediately to help your teen:

• Put the computer in an area where you can monitor what your child is reading online.
• Talk with your teen about Internet safety. Let him know he can talk to you if he receives a message from a cyberbully.
• Tell your teen that he should never respond to a message from a cyberbully.
• Save any messages from a cyberbully. Alert your teen’s school to the problem. Contact the police if your child is threatened.

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