How can I work with my school to prevent cyberbullying?

• Support the school and advocate for anti-bullying interventions and school policies.
• Increase adults' knowledge of technology. Parents and staff may be unaware of the full range of technologies used by their children. Efforts are needed to enhance their knowledge of the dangers as well as the benefits associated with such technologies. Such awareness and guidance should include information on relevant legal issues and on ways of contacting mobile phone companies and Internet service providers.
• Encourage the use of new technologies to report both bullying and cyberbullying behavior. These may include school websites, bully inboxes, www.textsomeone.com, as well as Peer Mentors in virtual situations (e.g. ChildLine call centers or the B-Friend 4 U project). The anonymity that is afforded to the bully by new technologies can be used more constructively to provide both help and support for victims of cyberbullying.
• Help circulate literature. Advisory and support materials need to be circulated widely among schools and communities, as cyberbullying can take place anywhere and anytime.¹
• Encourage your child's school to utilize educational programs designed to teach kids about cyberbullying, such as NetSmartz.²

References:

1. Neil Tippett, Fran Thompson, Peter K Smith. Research on Cyberbullying: Key findings and practical suggestions.
2. NetSmartz. What do do When Your Child is the Victim of Cyberbullying.