October is National Bullying Prevention Month

DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cyberbullying is more than just "kids being kids." While it generally starts as a face-to-face encounter with someone the victim knows, texts and social media can quickly evolve the situation into widespread harassment and public humiliation. Digital abuse or "cyberbullying" can take many forms from sending mean messages or threats, spreading rumors, posting unflattering pictures or pretending to be someone else online. More than 80 percent of teens use cell phones regularly, and about half have experienced some kind of abuse through social and digital media.¹

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"Cyberbullying is a growing issue and it's critical that young people understand the consequences of what they post online," says Ann Cosimano, General Counsel of ARAG^®, a global provider of legal solutions.  "Even something intended as a joke could reflect badly on them later when they apply for college or a job. And if remarks are intended to hurt or harass someone, the sender could lose a cell phone or online account. As laws in every state become stricter, cyberbullies – and their parents – are more frequently facing legal charges for harassment."

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, an annual event created to unite communities and educate the public on how to protect children from the effects of bullying.  It's a good opportunity to talk with your children and find out more about their school and online experiences with cyberbullying. Consider these tips to as a way to start the conversation and stay safer online.

1. "Once your child has a personal phone or social media account, it's time to explain the consequences of what's posted," says Cosimano. "Set – and keep – boundaries that consider loss of phone or computer privileges if damaging pictures or messages are posted or forwarded."
2. Make sure teens know that what goes online, stays online. "Any electronic message is, or can be, made, public very easily," says Cosimano. "I remind my kids regularly: if you don't want everyone to know, don't send it online. Better yet, follow the old adage, if you'd be embarrassed if it was published on the front page of the newspaper, then don't write it."
3. Encourage your children to tell an adult if they see cyberbullying happen. Let them know they will not be punished if they are the victim and reassure them that being bullied is not their fault.
4. If your child is harassed, keep all cyberbullying messages as proof. Depending on the severity of the message, parents may want to involve the school or the police. While going directly to the bully's parents might provide relief, it is not always practical or possible. In this case, letting the school, the cell phone carrier or internet service provider intervene may be an effective first step.
5. If necessary, block the person who is sending harassing messages. You may also need to get a new phone number or email address and be cautious about who receives the new contact information.
6. "Make sure teens never share passwords with anyone except a parent," says Cosimano. "Don't write it down or place it in a place where others could find it."
7. Parents may want to keep the computer in a shared space such as a family room and limit Internet access in a teen's room. "It's also important to have times when everyone simply turns off all the technology. It's tough when everyone is busy, but set boundaries at meal time or a certain time in the evening when everyone turns off cell phones, tablets and computers."

Bullying is one of several unexpected legal issues that can happen with your children as they grow up. For a closer look at some of the possible, but unplanned situations you could face, download a free copy of ARAG's guidebook, Legal Issues as Your Children Grow Up. To further safeguard against legal issues, check with your employer about enrolling in legal insurance coverage where you work. Comprehensive legal plans, such as those offered by ARAG, provide plan members with a wide range of services ranging from attorney consultation on drafting letters to the school, or preparing for presentation in an administrative hearing.

¹ Cyberbullying Research Center, "Summary of our cyberbullying research from 2004-2010."

About ARAG:
ARAG ^® (www.ARAGgroup.com) provides affordable legal solutions through trusted service to help people protect what matters most.

ARAG is the world's largest privately owned legal solutions enterprise. The company has an international premium base of nearly $2 billion and protects 15.5 million individuals and their families – worldwide. We are committed to providing our customers a choice of legal solutions to help them live a life full of opportunities.

We demonstrate expertise, integrity and passion in everything we do to serve our customers and make a positive difference in our community. We are proud to sponsor ARAG Free Will Day, providing low and middle income citizens with free access to attorneys for the creation of important legal documents to protect their family, finances and future.

ARAG's North American headquarters are based in Des Moines, Iowa. We've earned the prestigious Center of Excellence Award for six consecutive years (2007-2012) and have been awarded a Top 100 and Top 20 Call Center (2010-2011). ARAG team members voted ARAG a Best Places to Work in Insurance (2009-2012).

For more news and information about ARAG visit ARAGgroup.com.

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SOURCE ARAG