Parents often don’t understand the technology their children are using — and that’s a problem in trying to curb cyberbullying, experts say. More teenagers are getting online and joining social networking sites at younger ages, which can lead to even pre-teens being subjected to online bullying and harassment.
“As much as technology is wonderful, we have to be aware of the pitfalls,” said Michelle Boykins, spokeswoman for the National Crime Prevention Council. “The challenge for parents and caregivers is to know where all the pitfalls are.” Officer Marc MacDonald, a school resource officer with the Fairfax County police, said parents often don’t realize that devices like basic cell phones and electronic book readers also allow online access.
“If you put a device in a kid’s hand, make sure you know what it does,” he said.
Boykins suggests that parents set ground rules with their children for technology use and check kids’ devices — with the child present — to make sure the teen isn’t sending or receiving inappropriate messages.
The Cyberbullying Research Center advises parents to make clear that rules for real-life interactions apply online and cyberbullying inflicts harm. The center also recommends that parents communicate openly with their children so the children feel comfortable coming to them when they experience something distressing online.
