Warning Signs of Cyberbullying:

"You have the power to make or break a persons day, self esteem or possibly a persons life." --Stacy Hone

Signs that your child may be a victim of cyberbullying:

1.Spending long hours on the computer
2.Close windows on the computer when you enter the room
3.Is secretive about internet activites
4.Behavorial changes
5.Is always doing homework on the internet, but always in chat groups and getting behind with school work
6.Will not tell you who they're talking to
7.Trouble sleeping
8.Stomach aches and headaches
9.Lack of appetite, throwing up
10.Fear of leaving the house
11.Crying for no apparent reason
12.Lack of interest at social events that include other students
13.Complains of illness before school or community events often
14.Frequent visits to the school nurse or office complaining of feeling sick -- wants to call mom or dad to take them home.
15.Lowered self-esteem
16.A marked change in attitude, dress or habits
17.Unexplained broken personal possessions, loss of money, loss of personal items.
18.Acting out/lots of aggression at home
19.Missing or incomplete school work, decreased success in class

(Warning signs taken from www.cyberbullying.org)

Trust your gut instinct. If you have a feeling that something is wrong with your child, there probably is.

Talk and communicate with your child. Let them know that you are there for them and that you will do anything possible to help them if something is going on. Your child may be distant for awhile, but if you make it clear that you are there to help, eventually your child will feel the desire to come talk to you.

Be available. This is very important! When your child finally decides to come talk to you about something, don't push them away because you are too busy. Make time for your child and they will make time for you.