- Never openly disclose personal information to anyone that you don't trust implicitly, whether in cyberspace or in the real world. Don't share your full name, address, telephone number or email address to strangers. Similarly, avoid including your age, gender and pictures of yourself in user profiles on social networking websites or anywhere where they can provide ammunition for a potential cyber bully. Remind youngsters to keep passwords secret from anyone but their parents.
- Teach youngsters the principles of netiquette, or good manners on the Internet. They must learn to ignore any impolite, rude or threatening messages; instruct them to not seek revenge on a cyber bully in any way, even if they are angry or upset. Show youngsters how to block messages from a cyber bully or delete them without reading them.
- Some youngsters fail to report incidents of cyberbullying because they're afraid that their parents will take away their Internet privileges if they do so. Explain that there is no guilt attached to being a victim of cyberbullying; encourage youngsters to talk openly about how they feel, without fear of punishment.
- If cyberbullying occurs, however trivial it may seem initially, record the date and time each incident occurred, along with details of the perpetrator and what actually happened. Repeated incidents of cyberbullying can make youngsters feel upset, vulnerable and alone; gather detailed information any time it occurs to protect your options for taking action against the bullying in the future.
- All responsible Internet service providers have procedures for reporting abuse. Make youngsters aware that they are perfectly entitled to report a cyber bully. Explain that this is often an effective method of controlling cyberbullying. Of course, if cyberbullying involves harassment or threats of physical harm, contact law enforcement authorities at the earliest opportunity.
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