Koon's Watch

In last week’s Koon’s Watch, I covered the topic of cyberbullying and how to approach the topic with the young people in your life.

In the same way we guide children from certain people and locations that might not be the best influences on them, we must do the same when it comes to their online acquaintances and digital hangouts.

• Keep your home computer in a busy area of your house so you can check in often with online activity.

• Keep smartphones out in the open and in common areas of your home.

• Set up email and social media accounts with your children. Make sure you know their screen names and passwords and that they don’t include any personal information in their online profiles.

• Regularly go over their social media “friends” list with them. Ask who each person is and how your children know him or her.

• Discuss cyberbullying with your children and ask if they have ever experienced it or seen it happen to someone.

• Tell your children that you won’t blame them if they are cyberbullied. Emphasize that you won’t take away their computer or phone privileges – this is the main reason children don’t tell adults when they are cyberbullied.

Having conversations about cyberbullying before any problems arise can set the tone and show the kids in your life that you will be helpful if they need you.