From MySpace accounts to text messages, teens have many ways to stay in constant electronic contact with their peers. It's an integral part of their social lives.

But cell phones and computers have become places where teens are at risk for getting bullied. Recent research shows that teens who are constantly plugged-in are at risk for "cyberbullying," which refers to hurtful or embarrassing messages or images posted, sent, or shared on computers and cell phones through forums like chat rooms, message boards, blogs, websites, emails, webcams, camera phones, instant messages, and text messages.

According to a study released in March by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), more than 43% of teens said they experienced cyberbullying in the past year. The survey polled 824 13- to 17-year-olds through online surveys.

Worrisome, too, is that just 10% of those victimized by cyberbullying said they tell their parents about it. Teens said that they are twice as likely to talk with a friend about the incident as to talk with their parents or another adult.

What This Means to You

It's a good idea to talk with kids about cyberbullying. Ask whether they've ever experienced it or heard about it happening to anyone else. Explain that you won't blame your child for the incident and that you can work together to find a solution for it.

To help reduce the risks of cyberspace:

• Put the computer in a common area.
• Know the websites your kids use and visit.
• Set up joint email accounts with your children — make sure you know their screen names and passwords.
• Remind kids to never give out personal information (phone number, name, address, school name, age, passwords, etc.) or to share photographs or videos through cell phones or online.
• Prevent kids from entering private chat rooms (you can block them with safety features provided by your Internet service provider or with special filtering software).
• Use blocking software to prevent bullies from contacting your child through instant messaging programs.
• Talk to school administrators about creating "rules of conduct" for in-school Internet and cell phone use.
• Keep records of any repetitive, hurtful messages to share with the principal, your ISP, or even the police, especially if the cyberbullying contains threats.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: April 2007

Source: "Teens and Cyberbullying," conducted by Harris Interactive, Inc., for the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), Feb. 28, 2007.