Ways Parents Can Encourage Positive Digital Behavior and Prevent Cyberbullying As the weather cools and schools close for winter break, your child may spend more time inside. More time inside can mean more time online. Worried about the risks of cyberbullying? There are things you can do to encourage positive digital behavior in kids. As a parent, you can create trust with your children by starting honest conversations. A discussion with your child is an opportunity to communicate values. Establish expectations about your family’s digital behavior and explain what is appropriate to view or share online. Make sure your child knows which apps can and cannot be used. Make time to check in with your child about their experiences online. Talk to them about their interactions and address any risks of cyberbullying. Be clear that you are trying to look out for them and that you want to have open dialogue with them. Listen to their concerns and share your point of view. To minimize the risk of cyberbullying or harm from digital behavior, parents can: Set clear expectations about how to represent yourself and treat others online Learn about the harmful effects of cyberbullying and potential legal issues, like hate speech and sexting Be clear about what content can be viewed or shared Identify which apps are appropriate for your child’s use and which are not Limit the amount of time that a child can spend online or on their devices Model positive, respectful digital behavior on your own devices and accounts Read more on StopBullying.gov.

Resources for Preventing and Reporting Cyberbullying  Download the “How to Prevent Cyberbullying” guide for parents, caregivers, and youth Learn how you can report cyberbullying on social media apps, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, and Snapchat For teachers, review the Warning Signs a Child is Being Cyberbullied or Is Cyberbullying

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