A Primer For Parents

Cyberbullying is the latest version of an age-old phenomenon. By age 4 or 5, children learn to use name-calling or teasing as a form of social power. And that power continues, through elementary and middle school, on into high school -- in the classroom, the cafeteria, school hallways, on playgrounds and school buses, and, more recently, on computer screens and cell phones.

While many generations have viewed this phenomenon of social cruelty as a childhood rite of passage, research has shown the early isolation some children experience can follow them throughout their academic careers, sometimes leading to depression, low self-esteem and even violence.

"Early on, parents have to work at creating open communication with their kids about what's going on in school every day," said Wendy Craig, a psychology professor and researcher on bullying at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. "Creating an atmosphere of open communication is important because many times kids are reluctant or embarrassed to talk about being teased or bullied."

Craig offered a number of ways parents and teachers can help take the sting out of social cruelty -- for those on the giving or the receiving end:

If You Suspect Your Child is Being Teased or Bullied

Above all, parents should know that the old "sticks and stones" adage doesn't tell the whole truth. Words may not break bones, but they can break a child's spirit and self-esteem.