Bullies and mean girls have been around forever, but technology has given them a whole new platform for their actions. As adults, we’re becoming more aware that the “sticks and stones” adage no longer holds true; both real world and online name-calling can have serious emotional consequences for our kids and teens.

It’s not always easy to know how and when to step in as a parent. For starters, our kids tend to use technology differently than we do. Kids and teens today start playing games online and sending texts on their cell phones at an early age, and most teens have smart phones that keep them constantly connected to the Internet. Many are logged on to Facebook and chatting or sending text messages all day. Even sending email or leaving a voice mail seems “so old-school” to them. Their knowledge of the digital world can be intimidating, but if parents stay involved in their kids online world, just as you do in their real world, you can help protect your kids from online dangers. The situation may seem dire at first glance, but technology also provides a glimmer of hope in the shape of parental control tools. By keeping a finger on the pulse of all internet activity on kids’ devices, these tools create an opportunity for us parents to play a more active role in dealing with a cyberbullying situation requiring promt attention and response. Needless to say, time is of the essence when dealing with such a menace.

Fortunately, our growing awareness of cyberbullying has helped us learn a lot more about how to prevent it. Here are some suggestions on what to do if online bullying has become part of your child’s life.

Click here for more information on what is cyberbullying and it’s signs, effects, and how you can help.