Expert advice: What to do if your child is being cyberbullied?

Is your child being mocked or teased online? Get tips from our expert, Effendy Ibrahim, on what we, as parents, can do to help our kids when they are being bullied online.

S is for Software

Security software needs to be updated regularly and constantly assessed to suit the changing level of online interactions. Let technology work to your advantage and not at the expense of online safety. Tools like Norton Family help parents spot potential online dangers and facilitate open communication between them and their children, while Norton 360 Multi-Devices protects all devices used by the family.

T is for Talk

It is a parent’s responsibility to keep their children safe online by connecting with them through regular conversations (not interrogations). Children are more savvy with technology and tend to be involved in online activities such as chatting, emailing, gaming and posting personal information and images on websites. Regrettably, online predators have become adept at approaching children and teens through these channels. Parents need to have frequent talks, set rules and let their kids know what are the dos and don’ts when it comes to their online activities.

A is for Aware

Raising awareness is key to overcoming cyberbullying. We need to inform, educate and advise young people to take responsibility for their own actions while respecting the rights of others. Staying in tune with our kids’ online activities and learning about social networking sites that are popular amongst teens will go a long way in protecting you and your family from cyber threats.

R is for Rules

Set online safety rules for your family and be consistent. Establishing boundaries with your children for online activity is vital, while open dialogue and clear expectations are invaluable steps. Create family policies for email, IM, blogs, and social networking accounts, and match the online identity of every person they communicate with to make sure it\'s someone you know and trust. Keeping your computers in a central part of the house will also help you to stay involved and keep an eye on what your children are doing.

R is for Role Model

Setting a good example is key to good parenting. Parents should develop good Internet habits and be a good role model to their children. This allows parents to spend more quality time interacting with their kids while sharing good Internet behaviour with them.

Justina Goh

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