Ryan Halligan. Jeffrey Johnston. Megan Meier.

These are children whose names have become inextricably linked to the issue of cyberbullying. Their pictures and stories have been plastered across newspapers, magazines, YouTube videos, and Web memorials denouncing cyberbullies and mourning the victims. Their families have taken their stories public in order to fight this growing trend among adolescents. Although these names represent a minority of victims who committed suicide due, at least in part, to cyberbullying, there is a multitude of other victims whose stories have not been told—children who continue to face cyberbullying everyday. Who is best suited to tell their stories?

They are best suited to tell their own stories, and their stories can make a difference. It seems so easy to trade insults over IM (instant messaging), write mean messages on someone's social networking page, or trash-talk while gaming because children are generally unconcerned with consequences. Perhaps this is why cybebullying is so widespread. Ryan Halligan, Jeffrey Johnston, and Megan Meier are all startling examples of what happens when people do not consider the consequences of their actions.

Ignore the message. Don't ignore the problem.

NetSmartz^® advocates three simple rules for children facing cyberbullies. These rules can prevent cyberbullying from escalating, and can also prevent the victims from becoming cyberbullies themselves.

1. Don't respond to the message.
   
2. Save the evidence.
   
3. Tell a trusted adult.
   

Watch the NSTeens video, Terrible tEXt, to see these rules in action.

One vital lesson NetSmartz wants children to learn is to ignore the message, not the problem. As a well-meaning adult, you have an ideal opportunity to step in and encourage children affected by cyberbullying to speak out and fight this kind of victimization.

Educate. Engage. Empower.

Educate children about cyberbullying.

• Teach them about what is considered cyberbullying and what isn't.
  
• Make sure they understand the possible consequences of cyberbullying.
  

Engage children in a cyberbullying dialogue.

• Take it seriously! Sometimes sticks and stones matter, so have them discuss their feelings about cyberbullying.
  
• Let your children tell you about their experiences online; Internet safety experts can't tell their stories better than they can.
  

Empower children to lead the fight against cyberbullying.

• Give them tips that focus on prevention such as not posting personal information or provocative photos that someone could use against them.
  
• Encourage children to start an awareness group at school or online to educate their peers about cyberbullying.