Bullying in America has become an epidemic. In fact, with the
advent of the Internet, bullies don’t even have to have physical contact
with your child to torment him/her. Thus, parents are faced with the monumental
task of monitoring the activities of children in a world of virtually unlimited
sources of information. Although many parents attempt to regulate the access
of their children to the Internet, that access is, in fact, nearly ubiquitous.
Consider these facts regarding children, technology and the Internet:

• Children are increasingly using new technologies in school,
  at the library, at home and in after-school activities.
• A recent study estimated that nearly 10 million children are
  online.
• Over one quarter of U.S. classrooms have Internet access, and
  78 percent of schools have some kind of access to the Internet.
• Two out of three public libraries provide computers and Internet
  access for public use.

Because bullying – including online
bullying – can be such an emotional issue, experts say it is extremely
important to open the lines of communication with your kids. This can include …

• Starting to talk with them early.
• Initiating conversations.
• Creating an open environment.
• Communicating your values.
• Listening to your child.
• Trying to be honest.
• Being patient.
• Sharing your experiences.

Also, watch for behavioral changes. Children who are suffering
from teasing and bullying may try to hide the hurt. They become withdrawn
from family and friends, lose interest in hobbies, and may turn to
destructive habits like alcohol, drugs and acts of violence.

While bullying, harassment and teasing are unfortunate aspects
of childhood, you can help minimize these occurrences by raising
non-violent children. The American Academy of Pediatrics cites the
following tips for curbing hurtful behavior in your child:

• Give your child consistent love and attention. Every child needs
  a strong, loving relationship with a parent or other adult to feel
  safe and secure and to develop a sense of trust. Without a steady
  bond to a caring adult, a child is at risk for becoming hostile,
  difficult and hard to manage.
• Make sure your child is supervised. A child depends on his or
  her parents and family members for encouragement, protection and
  support as he or she learns to think for himself or herself. Without
  proper supervision, your child will not receive the guidance he
  or she needs. Studies report that unsupervised children often have
  behavior problems.
• Monitor your child’s Internet use. If your child knows
  you are watching, he or she is less likely to take part in cyber-bullying.
  Also, encourage him or her to avoid using chatrooms with violent
  or derogatory conversations.
• Show your child appropriate behaviors by the way you act. Children
  often learn by example. The behavior, values and attitudes of parents
  and siblings have a strong influence on them. Be firm with your
  child about the possible dangers of violent behavior and language.
  Also, remember to praise your child when he or she solves problems
  constructively without violence.
• Be consistent about rules and discipline. When you make a rule,
  stick to it. Your child needs structure with clear expectations
  for his or her behavior. Setting rules and then not enforcing them
  is confusing and sets up your child to “see what he or she
  can get away with.”
• Try to keep your child from seeing violence in the home or community.
  Violence in the home can be frightening and harmful to children.
  A child who has seen violence at home does not always become violent,
  but he or she may be more likely to try to resolve conflicts with
  violence.
• Try to keep your child from seeing too much violence in the
  media. Watching a lot of violence on television, in the movies
  and in video games can lead children to behave aggressively. As
  a parent, you can control the amount of violence your child sees
  in the media by limiting television viewing and previewing games,
  movies, etc., before allowing access to them by your child.
• Help
  your child stand up against violence. Support your child in standing
  up against violence. Teach him or her to respond with calm but firm
  words when others insult or threaten another person. Help your child
  understand that it takes more courage and leadership to resist violence
  than to go along with it.