While remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic lowered reported instances of bullying, parents fear that, for some students, going back to school will mean the return of bullying.

For Bryan and Idaliz Serrano of Allston, Mass., this is a very real concern; they worry about their
two pre-teen sons. “We live in a world where bullying has led people to kill themselves. The
thought that things could get to that point frightens us,” said Bryan.

As we consider National Bullying Prevention Month in October, it is clear that technology’s ever-
greater presence in children’s lives has given bullying a new outlet. With just a click, cyberbullies can taunt, harass and threaten relentlessly, even reaching into the home via cell phone or computer. As a result, victims report feeling hopeless, isolated, and even suicidal.

What can parents do to protect their kids? Taking an interest in their children’s online world can
make a difference, say many authorities on the matter. This interest does not necessarily require parents to become tech experts. Instead, the website stopbullying.gov, a government website in the United States, suggests that parents watch for subtle clues that something is wrong, such as their child becoming withdrawn, hiding their screen when others are nearby, or reacting emotionally to what’s happening on their device.

Both of the Serranos’ boys are attending public school remotely this school year. While the
Serranos appreciate that the local school system is doing its part to educate students about
the dangers of cyberbullying, they also feel that it’s essential that they do their part as parents
at home. Educating themselves and their sons about the signs and effects of cyberbullying is a
family priority.

Talking with kids openly—and often—helps too. “The more you talk to your children about
bullying, the more comfortable they will be telling you if they see or experience it,” UNICEF says
in its online tips for parents.

Family dinners on school nights are a regular event in the Serranos’ household. Taking the time
to know both their children as individuals helps them as parents to be aware of the signs if
something is going on. “We always make sure to ask about their day. This helps the boys to
feel comfortable talking to us if things do happen, and for us, not to overreact when they do,”
Bryan said. “It’s challenging to stay on top of it all,” he added, “but articles such as ‘What if I’m
Being Cyberbullied?’ from jw.org have helped us to know what to protect our children from.”
Beyond talking with, listening to, and observing their kids, parents shouldn’t be afraid to make
and enforce rules for online activities, experts say.

The Serranos take a hands-on approach to maintain balance in their sons’ lives, including
monitoring their online activity, restricting certain game features and limiting the amount of
time spent on electronic devices. Regularly including their children in conversations about why
these restrictions are implemented helps everyone in the family to stay on the same page. “I
don’t always like the restrictions,” said the Serranos’ son, “but they make me feel a lot safer.”
The Serranos cited the tips and reminders they’ve considered together with their kids from free
resources available on jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

One of the Serranos’ sons especially recommended the short animated video, Beat a Bully
Without Using Your Fists, found on the website. “I like how it shows us steps to avoid being
bullied and how to cope with being bullied too. I love it and watch it all the time,” said their older
son.