The best protection you can offer your children from cyber bullying is your own involvement. Take the time to monitor their activities and learn what they may already know about cell phone and Internet capabilities. You can also set limits on cell phone and Internet use.

With cell phones:

• Prohibit the taking of photographs whose circulation would harm another individual. Tell your child to ask herself before sending a photograph: "Would I want others to see a photograph of me like this?"
• Test the caller ID on your child’s phone. Your child always has the option of simply not answering a call from someone he or she doesn't wish to speak to.
• Teach your children basic cell phone etiquette before you allow them to have their own cell phone.
• Explain to your children the many types of cyber bullying, let them know what they should do if they experience or become involved in cyber bullying and inform them of the consequences of inappropriate use.
• Tell your children that their cell phone number is private information.
• Consider purchasing a child-friendly phone that encourages communication with parents and other approved individuals, but blocks unwanted calls.

On the Internet:

• Limit your child's instant messaging contacts to people he or she knows. You can configure many instant messaging systems in this way.
• Make sure your child is using a teen or kids instant messaging account. This can block the ability to exchange images, files, voice and video and also puts some limits on chat and Web surfing.
• Some instant messaging systems have controls that will allow you to limit when your child can use instant messaging and for how long.
• Choose a software program that you can configure to block chat and instant messaging programs as well as objectionable Internet sites.
• Talk to your child about the dangers of sharing e-mail or instant messaging passwords.
• Prohibit the taking of photographs whose circulation would harm another individual. Tell your child to ask herself before sending another individual. Tell your child to ask herself before sending a photograph: "Would I want others to see a photograph of me like this?"
• Test the caller ID on your child’s phone. Your child always has the option of simply not answering a call from someone he or she doesn't wish to speak to.
• Teach your children basic cell phone etiquette before you allow them to have their own cell phone.
• Explain to your children the many types of cyber bullying, let them know what they should do if they experience or become involved in cyber bullying and inform them of the consequences of inappropriate use.
• Tell your children that their cell phone number is private information.
• Consider purchasing a child-friendly phone that encourages communication with parents and other approved individuals, but blocks unwanted calls.