Creating a safe space for conversation
Cyberbullying is one of the most common concerns parents have about their teens' online lives. But talking about it effectively requires more than just asking "is anyone being mean to you online?"
Many teens don't report cyberbullying because they fear losing access to their devices, or because they worry their parents will overreact and make the situation worse.
Starting the conversation
The most important thing you can do is create an environment where your teen feels safe telling you things without fear of punishment or overreaction. Try:
- Sharing your own experiences with difficult social situations
- Asking about their friends' experiences (less threatening than asking about their own)
- Making it clear that coming to you won't result in losing their phone