What is the Issue of Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is a real phenomenon affecting millions of children around the World.

According to Ipsos poll in 2012, more than 50% of children have experienced cyberbullying in one way or the other. Shockingly, 1 teenager out of 3 has faced online threats of varying nature. In an increasingly digitalized world, kids are becoming more prone to cyberbullying than ever. Toddlers and young children nowadays have access to smartphones that makes them vulnerable to cyber bullies or harming content. It is alarming to know that almost all of the bullied children do not report the abuse to their parents. The daunting effects of cyberbullying include depression, anxiety, lack of interest in other activities, and even suicide.

The situation can be a nightmare for a concerned parent. Clear communication and setting boundaries is the ultimate way to cope with cyberbullying. Following are some of the ways that can support parents in protecting their children from real dangers of cyberbullying.

• Just like any relationship, communication plays vital role in a child-parent relationship. When it comes to cyberbullying, have an open discussion with your child about the issue. Set aside around 10-15 minutes in a day to only talk about cyberbullying. This can include asking about their activities online, who they talk to, what videos and images they are exposed to, and ask clearly whether someone is threatening or bothering them about anything.
  Remember to be friendly, open, and listening. This will put your child at comfort and she will share her online experience with you honestly.

• Be sure where your child goes after school or play. Staying involved is the key to protect your child against cyberbullying. Whether it is her smartphone or laptop, you have to keep a close check on what is happening in her devices. Install parental control software in her devices and allow yourself the access to data, apps, and history.
  Friend/Follow them on their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. Set a clear rule that you will be involved in their social media usage or they wouldn't use it otherwise. Join parent support groups online to stay updated to the current technology and support tools.

• Setting boundaries will help you keep your child safe and well-protected from unwanted content and persons online. Set technology hours after dinner and allow access only in areas where everyone sits after dinner. Remember that closed doors can encourage misuse of the technology. Keep shared settings on every device, software, and app to stay aware of the online communication of your child.

• According to cyber media experts, the key response to a bully is to avoid responding at all in first place. Your response (or your child's) can be reposted on social media networks. Block/report the bully and change your child's contact information. Keep the evidence saved with you though to report concerned authorities about bullying if necessary.

The real deal in protecting your child against cyber bullies is to ensure that it does not happen in first place.

Refrence: parents.com