When was the last time you saw something in the news about cyberbullying? Probably not long ago. Although bullying has always existed, this new form of harassment is more difficult than ever to combat thanks to technology and social media. From Snapchat to Twitter to Instagram, there are seemingly endless mediums for teenagers to connect, most of which can be done instantly from their phones. And once they post a photo on the Internet or text it to a friend, it’s there for good, and leaves a solid footprint. As a parent, it’s up to you to make sure they understand the dangers that come with this type of connected life. Let’s learn more about cyberbullying & insurance.

Here are some things you can do to keep your kids safe online:

  • Talk to your kids early and often about bullying.
  • Discuss what information is and is not appropriate to share online.
  • Check your child’s social media profiles to make sure they are private and only accessible to friends and family.
  • Know what websites or social media channels your children are on, and monitor their usage.
  • Set rules about how much time your kids can spend online or on their phones.

Cyberbullying Insurance Options

There are a few insurance options available to help protect you in case you do get involved in a cyberbullying lawsuit. Personal Injury Coverage is an endorsement that can be added onto your homeowners insurance policy. Unlike what the name suggests, this type of insurance is not intended in cases where someone gets physically injured; rather, this insurance provides protection in cases of libel, slander, defamation of character and even wrongful eviction. Here’s an example of when this could be helpful — say your teenager begins spreading rumors online about a classmate. When the classmate’s parents find out, they decide to take legal recourse and sue you for negligence and your child for libel, like what happened in this case from Texas. You’re now forced to hire a lawyer and the legal bills quickly begin piling up; this is where personal injury coverage can come in handy.

An umbrella insurance policy, also known as excess liability coverage, can also be helpful. This extra insurance adds on to the liability limit allowed under your homeowners insurance policy, and can definitely come in handy if you are ever taken to court over an online incident. Make sure to call your insurance agent today to learn more about these options.

In today’s digital world, keeping track of your kids online activity can be very difficult. But with a little communication and the right insurance, you can help ensure that your family is protected online and in the real world.

Want to learn more about insurance options for the digital age? Give HIG a call today at (508) 676-5949 or visit our website today!