The youth of today face a myriad of problems that previous generations were fortunate to avoid.

The birth of computers, the Internet and social media have contributed to a problem known as cyber bullying.

Friday night, 14-year-old Kierra’onna Rice of Birmingham was shot and killed.

According to news reports, Rice had been arguing with a group of girls on Facebook. The girls met later at a park and began fighting. Two teenage males, armed with weapons, opened fire on the group.

Law enforcement authorities believe that one of the two shooters was dating one of the girls involved.

It’s tragic to see a life cut short because of a fight that began on Facebook.

What’s even more horrible, is that these young men decided, for an unknown reason, to shoot these young women.

It’s not easy raising children in this day and age. Bullying is an age old problem, but when you throw social media and weapons into the equation, situations tend to escalate more quickly.

There is no easy solution to this complex problem.

Parents need to be aware that cyber bullying is very real and can result in serious and deadly consequences.

No, parents cannot be around their children 24 hours a day or monitor their every move, but what can be beneficial is to keep the lines of communication open.

Sit down with your children, discuss their day and let them know they can feel comfortable telling you their problems and that you will help them.

It’s not the only solution, but it’s a start.

It might save the life of a young person thinking about starting that fight or taking his or her own life.