I was the bully. And I was bullied.

Even though our son is not yet five years old I think about how I will guide him in his future relationships at school with teachers, with friends and those who will never be his friends. I am sad to say this but I know he will come across a bully or two in his young life. How we deal with it together matters more to me that whether he eats his vegetables.

That might sound like a strange thing to say but I know what it’s like to be on both sides of the equation.

I was the bully and I was bullied.

It pains me to write this as I’ve not really told anyone. Being bullied or being the bully is not a happy place, in fact it is quite terrifying to think what you might be capable of when you are afraid to go to school.

So I worry. Our son is highly-spirited and physical, but he’s also very sensitive which is the perfect storm in my mind. He already shows signs of taking charge on the playground and being protective of his friends but he’s also immensely kind and generous. We’ve worked hard to help him sort his feelings and deal with his emotions without being physical so I am hoping it will sort itself out once he’s older. Is it just his age?

Having said all that my influence only goes so far. When he’s on his own I hope he will use the tools we have given him to deal with bullying as it can have devastating effects on those who fall victim and their families.

Amanda Todd, who was a teenager, took her own life as a result. And, there are far too many other young people who have done the same as a result of cyberbullying. We have to put an end to this by educating ourselves about the dangers of online bullying if we are to prevent its life-shattering consequences.

Please read and share this highly informative guest post and infographic by Amy Williams, a freelance journalist and mom of 2 in California with all the parents, teachers and teenagers you know.