For most young people the Internet is not only a good resource for homework, but an important part of their social life. Unfortunately, like many other social situations for children, bullying can occur in the online world. “Cyberbullying” is very similar to schoolyard bullying except it happens online, and can be even more harmful given that it is easy to intimidate and send hurtful messages anonymously. Cyberbulling can range from threats or insults via instant messaging or email, to the creation of websites dedicated to poking fun at individuals.

With children as young as eight years old going online, it is essential for parents to discuss cyberbullying with their kids to determine if they are – or ever have been – victims. An open and honest discussion must set the groundwork for rules and what is appropriate to say and do online, just as parents do in the real, offline world. Responsible Internet service providers such as AOL Canada have built educational initiatives such as Online Safety Week to educate kids, parents and teachers about the need for online safety education. Parent should keep the following tips in mind to address cyberbullying.

1. Encourage your child to guard their contact information. They should not give people they don't know their cell phone number, instant messaging name or e-mail address.
2. Encourage your child to not respond to a cyberbully’s message – it’s a natural response to want to defend yourself, but don’t engage in exchanging messages.
3. If your child is receiving harassing messages through Instant Messaging, help them make use of the “block” feature available through most IM programs to block cyberbullies from reaching your child.
4. Consider encouraging your child to use a kid-friendly service such as KOL (www.aolforkids.ca) which runs on top of any Internet connection providing a fun, interactive interface while keeping kids protected from people they don’t know.
5. Use an ISP that has a parental control function, such as AOL Guardian, which can help detect your child’s online activity and determine if your child is a victim of cyberbullying.
6. Talk to your child’s teachers to find out what the school’s policy is on cyberbullying. Let them know if your child has been a victim of cyberbullying.