Cyber Bullying. Parents Need Info...and Experts Need Parents

Mayor seeks to stop cyber-bullying

This meeting happened in Massachusetts but I recently went to one in the New York City area.

Meetings like this need to happen everywhere and community by community there need to be parent meetings that clearly lay out the problem. Cyber bullying is 40% about technology and 60% about parenting (and probably about 100% of peer pressure.) But parents are at a disadvantage. The uses of technology are changing every day. One day, you're worried about instant messaging and then the threat moves to the cell.

Not only are these types of meetings good for parents, they're critical for decision makers and professionals. Why? We need a realistic sense of what is actually happening with kids and their daily lives. Experts need to start listening to parents, as well. Parents are still the experts about their children and how to get them to open up and what they are capable of.

Parents are also the key to prevention.

Although many schools experience a low level of participation by parents, there's a way around that, too. Organize a parent task force to research age-appropriate programs for schools and homes. Slowly build interest and include parents who have some knowledge of technology and an interest in solutions. Don't stop. Don't give up. Our kids' emotional health is worth it.

Remember, it's a good new neighborhood our kids are in. It's not all bad. But just like all neighborhoods, we need a "neighborhood watch."