Questions for Parents to Consider:

‍Parents and Teachers: View the full VIP Facilitation Guide Here

Parents of Elementary School Students (Engagement Questions):

‍Establishing Trust

• What are some things you can do or say to show your child they can confide in you if something online makes them uncomfortable? 

Something Seems Off

• What are some signs that your child might be dealing with an upsetting situation online? 

Time to Step in

• What situations would you consider serious enough that you need to actively intervene? 

Parents of Middle School Students (Engagement Questions):

The Human Touch

• What does the speaker mean when he says the best “app” to monitor your student’s online use and behavior is a trusted adult? 

Growing Opportunities

• As a parent, do you think you could step back if appropriate and support your student in handling a negative online experience on their own? Why might that be the best approach sometimes?

It Takes a Village

• In some cases, your student might prefer to talk to a different adult than a parent about cyberbullying or intimidating behavior online. Who are some other adults you’d feel comfortable being a go-to for your student?

Parents of High School Students (Engagement Questions):

Empowering Students

• Do you believe it’s sometimes best to support your student in addressing a cyberbullying situation on their own? 

Knowing Your Kid

• What are some signs of withdrawal or distress that would cause you to worry your student might be the victim of cyberbullying? 

Cyberbullying Takes Different Forms

• What types of cyberbullying or harassment online concern you most, and what would you do if you knew your child was experiencing it? 

Support Services for Students Dealing with Cyberbullying

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat/
• Stop Bullying Now Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• No Bully Help Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
• LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743

More resources for parents, students, & educators

• What is Swatting? What Parents and Educators Need to Know
• Cyberbullying Prevention Tips: What Students & Parents Need to Know
• Identifying Bullying Tactics: 5 Experts Weigh In
• How to Handle Cyberbullying (15 Experts Share Tips for Your Family)

Conclusion

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that is impacting the lives of many students today. Recognizing the tactics used by cyberbullies and having a clear understanding of how to support students who are being cyberbullied is crucial. Parents and educators need to keep the lines of communication open with students to support them and help them respond to bullies in a healthy way. Cyberbullying is an ongoing problem. It will require vigilance, empathy, and a collective effort to create safer spaces online.