If a teen becomes withdrawn or seems tense or depressed without apparent reason, parents should consider cyber or text bullying as a possible cause. Teens are often reluctant to talk about bullying and if necessary, parents may need to check the history on their son or daughter's phone and computer.Once it is confirmed that cyber or text bullying is taking place, suggest the teen to do the following and help them with it if necessary:
• Don't reply to bullying text messages but save them onto the phone for future use as evidence if required
• Change cellphone numbers and be careful over who is given the new number
• Take screen shots of offensive messages on social networking sites and send them to the website's administration
• Report the messages to the police and school if they are threatening in any way
• Encourage the teen to talk about their feelings and fears and seek professional counselling for them if you feel it is needed
