Welcome to the official site of Sue Scheff. After a harrowing experience trying to find help for her own daughter in 2001, she founded Parent’s Universal Resource Experts and has since assisted over 50,000 families with their own teens. In 2003 she become a target of an online smear campaign. She fought back by taking her assailant to court and winning a landmark case for Internet defamation and invasion of privacy for $11.3M.
Today Sue Scheff speaks frequently on the importance of online reputation, public shaming and the rise of incivility. She has been featured on numerous media outlets including The Today Show, ABC News, CBS Morning Show, CNN, Fox News and more. Sue is also a regular contributor for Psychology Today, Huffington Post, Today Show Parents, NBC Education Nation, Washington Post, Orlando Sentinel and more.
Sue Scheff has three published books. Her latest, Shame Nation: The Global Epidemic of Online Hate (Sourcebooks, 2017) with Melissa Schorr, features a foreword by Monica Lewinsky. Her second book, Google Bomb (HCI, 2009), with a foreword by Michael Fertik and co-authored by the late Internet attorney, John Dozier, tells the story of how she won the $11.3M online shaming landmark case in Florida and recovered from Internet disaster. Her first book, Wit’s End: A Parent’s True Story (HCI, 2007), details how deceptive the teen-help industry can be and shares how Sue created her organization that has since helped thousands.
Sue has been sharing her story and empowering audiences across the country at speaking engagements. Today your online reputation is the first impression people have of you — it can literally change the direction of your career, job and your life, as well as your teen’s college choice.
Learn more about the topic’s Sue can discuss at your next event.
Sue’s area of expertise
“Until you have survived a digital Scarlet Letter, many are unaware of how deep the emotional scars are and how long they can last. My cyber-shaming attack happened when I was an adult, I completely understand the new word that we are now hearing too frequently – bullycide….”
“Never underestimate the financial destruction online shaming does to people – to this day I have shared that it was my lawyer that vindicated me but online reputation management that gave me my life back.” – Sue Scheff
“The very weapon that destroyed you online becomes the tool that rebuilds you — the internet.” – Sue Scheff
It’s firsthand experiences and years of advocacy that separates Sue Scheff from others in the field of online safety and digital wellness. Do you need an expert for your next article, TV segment, podcast, radio, webinar or event on the following topics:
- Parent Shaming
- Public Shaming
- Rise of Incivility
- Selfies
- Trolling
- Upstanders
- Rise of Shame Nation
- Role Models Online
- Teacher Shaming
- Click here for more
- “Your teen may always be an app ahead of you, but they will always need your parenting wisdom and guidance.” – Sue Scheff

Sue’s Blog
- Cyberbullying: Reporting Online Hate February 18, 2019Digital resilience: Becoming a better online reporter. The majority of teens have come across racist or sexist hate speech on social media. There are five-steps to building digital resilience. Prepare them for the ugly side of social media. Teach them to report, flag and block abusive content. Help them understand that online is not always reality. Critical […]
- Protecting Your Family’s Digital Identity January 24, 2019National Privacy Day: Securing online safety. January 28th celebrates National Data Privacy Day; an event that recognizes the importance of Internet advocacy and data privacy. As a caring parent, nothing is more important than the safety and privacy of your child, both online and off. In this article, we will be sharing information on digital […]
- How Social Media Contributes to Teen Depression January 15, 2019The impact social media is having on young girls. A study published by University of Essex and University College London, reveals that teenage girls increase their risk of showing symptoms of depression by 50% when they spend more than five hours a day on social media. In comparison, teenage boys increase their risks of showing […]
- Raising Humans in a Digital World: It’s Like Building a House January 12, 2019By Diana Graber In this age of algorithms and bots, learning how to be human is more challenging than ever. Text messages are curt, Siri doesn’t expect a thank you, and autoresponders can’t detect when the sender needs a kind word or a hug. But parents can raise kids who will wield technology with empathy, […]
- Cost of Drunk Posting on Social Media January 6, 2019Study reveals binge drinkers ‘consequences’ of social media addiction. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, today your first impression is what a Google search says about you. Critical thinking goes out the door when your drinking, no matter what age you are. In today’s digital world it’s especially unforgiving. One […]
Testimonials
Praise
Sue Scheff, Thank you for all your help and recommendations. We are trying to work with a psychologist and I’ve set up counseling at his present school. Thank you again for all your help. I cannot thank you enough for your honesty. God Bless. Keep up the good work.
Sue THANK YOU SO MUCH! I found your information so very helpful. I am SOOO GLAD you put that info in a place I could find it! I was searching for parent info that was not put out by the school! If you have any info that could help me, I welcome any knowledge you would care to share! THANK YOU – God bless!
Dear Sue Scheff, Thank for your help it’s so hard to find help for children theses days. So when I seen your response it just brighten my day so I just want to say thanks.
Dear Sue, Thanks for following up, and for readily providing information when I first inquired. Right now, we’re still sorting out timing and steps to be undertaken for placement (with current school agreement) and hospital. Many thanks for the service you provide.
Sue Scheff, Thank you for the help. Since I have been in touch with you and I’m feeling a little more positive about our situation. Thanks for your service.
Dear Sue, Your statement about my son is on point. He acquainted himself with bad friends. He was averaging 85 one school term then dropped dramatically to a 59 the second term. Thank you so much.
Dear Sue Scheff, Thank you so much. It is interesting to know that we are not alone. And although I wish that no one would have to go through what we are going through, it is nice to know that there are so many others that are having similar difficulties and can offer support. Thanks again,
Dear Sue,I wanted to reach out to say thanks for the help. Thanks for taking the time to walk me through your experience and offer me some options. I desperately needed your help and will be forever grateful for the time you spent with me.
Sue Scheff, This is the lady from Naples, Florida who first called you in March. I am happy and relieved to say that my son [names withheld]. He has been there about a week. I hear so far, so good. I am grateful that our path’s crossed on the internet and I found Pure and yes that you called me back right away and took the time to talk to me. Thank-you very much Please continue your much needed help to others
Dear P.U.R.E.™ and Sue, I just wanted to give you an update. It was unbelievably difficult, but I feel sure that I made the right choice. She is beginning to admit that she has some issues to work on and I can rest assured that she is safe and well cared for. I knew that, if I kept her at home, it was only a matter of time before I would have gotten a call from the police dept., the emergency room or, heaven forbid, the coroner’s office. You may have helped me save my daughter’s life an…
Learn more about Shame Nation!
Visit Shame Nation site for more information.
Order Shame Nation today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Indie Books. Also available on Blackstone Audio.
Preventing & Overcoming Online Shame

Listen to Dr. Robyn & Sue Scheff
- Tips on How to prevent online shaming. Sue provides guidelines to adhere to when posting online. Such as being mindful of what you post, learn patience, de-clutter your friends list!
- Tips once online shaming or cyber bullying has occurred.
- Steps to triumph in the area of online shaming.
- How to build up and humanize your online persona.
- How to check-in with yourself- am I representing myself in the way that is genuine and kind?
- Click here to listen.
Order Google Bomb book today.
Learn more about Google Bomb book.
Order today on Amazon.
Order Wit’s End book today.
Visit Wit’s End site and read a free chapter.
Order on Amazon today.
CBS This Morning
First Coast News
Shame Nation Trailer
Dr. Oz recommends Shame Nation book
Listen to Dr. Robyn & Sue Scheff
- Tips on How to prevent online shaming. Sue provides guidelines to adhere to when posting online. Such as being mindful of what you post, learn patience, de-clutter your friends list!
- Tips once online shaming or cyber bullying has occurred.
- Steps to triumph in the area of online shaming.
- How to build up and humanize your online persona.
- How to check-in with yourself- am I representing myself in the way that is genuine and kind?
- Click here to listen.
Help Your Teens: Founder Sue Scheff
Listen to Gary Cannon & Sue Scheff

Florida Times Union features Sue Scheff
St. Johns County author: We live in a ‘Shame Nation’ by Matt Soergel
Sue’s CPI: Clicking With Compassion in an Age of Cruelty & Trolling
Shame Nation Podcasts
- Gary Cannon & Patrick Keane Discuss Oops Moments with Sue Scheff
- Cyber Law & Business Report with Bennet Kelley
- Mitch Jackson Streaming Lawyer
- Protect Your Online Reputation from Attacks and Scams with Bill Hobson
- Talk To Kids About Preventing Online Shame with Dr. Robyn Silverberg
- CPI: The New Normal, Online Shaming
- The Tub: Online Shaming with host Jay Eitner
- Digital Parenting with Sedgrid Lewis
- Screen Smart Podcast with Alex & Jay
All podcast interviews with author Sue Scheff.
Sue Featured on Aftershow: Internet Ruined My Life
Sue’s CPI Podcast Parenting & CyberSafety
Sue’s Video Clips
Follow @SueScheff
Sue Scheff’s Articles
- Are You Google Ready?
- When Parents Have Difficulty With Online Honesty
- Will We Be Living In A “Shame Nation” In 2019?
- Why We Post Before We Think?
- What Are You Trying To Prove?
- Recovering from Public Shaming
- Judgy Moms: Avoiding Public Shaming
- Best Parenting Books 2018
- Name-calling Hasn’t Changed: Lessons to Combat Online Hate
- Attraction of Incivility and Online Bullying
- Does Your Teens Have Tools To Handle Cyberbullying?
- 5 Ways to Take A Safer Selfie
- Cutting Screen Time: 5 Ways to Reunite Offline
- Teens and the Fire Challenge
- Is Your Social Media Preventing You From Being Hired?
- Teach Teenagers To Think Before Posting
- Teens Building Their Digital Trail During The Summer: Creating Summertime Blogs
- A Caring Teen Online Starts Offline with a Caring Parent
- Finding Time To Care for Others: It Starts With Us
- Not My Teen: Trends to Know – Teens, Medicine Abuse and Their Friends
- Google and YouTube: Stolen Lives Deserve More Than Flag Alerts
- Teens and Screens: The Breakdown of Digital Parenting
- Google+: A Playground for Predators? What Parents Need to Know
- The Three C’s Your Teen Needs to Know
- Cyber Restriction: When Your Teens Abuses Their Digital Privileges
- Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Give the Gift of a Digital Lesson
- Take the Power Out of Bullying: Bystander Revolution
- Google Apps for Education Behind the Screens
- Cyberbullying and Medicine Abuse: The Sobering Connection
- Google App for Education: Teachers and the Unsuspected Stranger
- Digital Parenting Should Include Google Apps for Education
- Google Apps for Education: Data Mining and the Threat to Student Privacy
- Grownup Bullying and Monster Moms
- Teens’ Virtual Playground and the Giant
- Cyberbullying Protection: Coaches Reaching Out To Be a Cyber-Arm
- Our Kids Are the Future: How Communities Can Be A Difference
- The Cost of Internet Defamation
- #iCANHELP Delete Negativity on Social Media: A Wave of Positive Warriors
- Anti-Bullying Librarian Reaches Her Community Through Magic
- Winter Break, Spring Break: No Break for Online Reputation
- When Safety Trumps Privacy: SNOOP
- Sext Education: Sexting = Cyberbullying
- Digital Resolutions for Parents
- Are Teens Leaving Facebook?
- What the Holidays Mean to Mean: The Gift of Presence
- Cyberbullies Don’t Take Holidays Off: Words Wound
- Your Online Reputation Doesn’t Take Holidays Off
- Give the Gift of Digital Presence
- Selfies, Teens and Cyberbullying
- Cell Phone Rules for Teens
- Cyberbullying Protection: Librarian As Cyber-Arms
- First Day of School Photos and Social Media: Ripe Pickings for Child Porn
- Building A Digital Dialogue and Relationship with Our Kids
- Back to School: Inspiring a Caring School Year When Study Reveals Kindness Takes a Backseat
- Back to School: Teens and Digital Stress
- Teens & Screens Part 2: Why Teens & Kids Don’t Tell They Are Being Cyberbullied
- Parenting Bullying: The One-Upper Society
- Teens & Screens Part 1: Raising Cyber Smart Citizens in Social Media
- Teach Teenagers To Think Before Posting
- Teens Building Their Digital Trail During The Summer: Creating Summertime Blogs
- A Caring Teen Online Starts Offline with a Caring Parent
- Finding Time To Care for Others: It Starts With Us
- Not My Teen: Trends to Know – Teens, Medicine Abuse and Their Friends
- Google and YouTube: Stolen Lives Deserve More Than Flag Alerts
- Teens and Screens: The Breakdown of Digital Parenting
- Google+: A Playground for Predators? What Parents Need to Know
- The Three C’s Your Teen Needs to Know
- Cyber Restriction: When Your Teens Abuses Their Digital Privileges
- The Impact of Public Shaming In a Digital World
- What Is Our Responsibility In the Rise of Shame Nation?
- The Graduation Message ‘Kids’ Need to Hear
- 5 Simple Ways Young People Can Make Sure Their Social Media Is Interview Ready
- What We Can Learn From Tweet Storms & Adult Bullying
- How Fear of Cyberbullying Is Affecting Tweens and Teens
- Could Moms Be the Biggest Reason for Body Shaming?
- Will You Be Deleting Your Facebook Account?
- Bad Teachers: Inappropriate & Irresponsible Behavior Online
- How Humor & Irony Are Shedding The Light On Cyberbullying
- Sexting Scandals, Slut Pages: What Teens Are Facing Today
- Dealing With Internet Trolls During Tragic Times
- Some People Call Them Posts: Attorneys Call Them Exhibit A
- Larry Nassar: The Rise of Parent Shaming
- Some People Call Them Texts, Attorneys Call Them Exhibit A
- The Risk and Rewards of Becoming Internet Famous
- Talking To Kids About Online Shaming
- Sparking Book Chats Between Parents and Teens on Internet Safety and Cyberbullying
- Was 2017 the Rise of Online Shaming?
- Monica Lewinsky – a person, not a scandal
- What Is Curbing the Impact of Cyberbullying on Teens?
- Cost of Online Shame to Your Love Life and Career
- Calling Out Sick From Work? You May Want to Unplug too
- Will Online Shame Prevent You From a Holiday Romance?
- The Normalcy of Sexting Among Teens
- Surprising Way To Help Children & Adults Harness Empathy
- Sexting Scandals & Shame: What Teens are Facing Today
- Book Club on Cyberbullying Prevention
- Online Shaming: What Parents Can Do
- Rise in Uninvited Sexual Images (“Dick Pics”)
- Why People Can’t Stop Trolling Monica Lewinsky
- Finding Online Support for Cyberbullying
- Can Technology Curb Cyberbullying?
- Monica Lewinky: Stepping Up and Speaking Out
- More Boys Admit to Cyberbullying than Girls
- More than Mean Tweets: Dealing With Cyberbullying
- When Oversharing Leads to Online Shaming
- Online Shaming: “I Can’t Believe They Posted That!”
- Parenting In the Age of Online Shaming
- 5 Ways to Prevent Online Shaming
- 10 Ways Online Gossip Turns to Cyberbullying
- Digital Wisdom: The Art of Surviving Online
- Online Hate Shaming: The Emotional Roller Coaster
- CyberParenting: Are Your Actions Helping or Hurting Your Kids?
- Teens and Social Media: Building Their Social Authority
- How Internet Postings Are Affecting Your Day
- Tweet Regrets and Online Misposts: Hidden Ramifications of Online Disasters
- 5 Ways to Heal from Online Shame and Hate
- Online Shaming & Bullying: Lessons from Celebrities Like Pink and Lady Gaga
- Majority of Americans Think POTUS Is A Cyberbully
- Cyberbullying: The Growing Approval of Online Hate
- How Negative Publicity (Shaming) Can Impact Your Business
- Keep It Cool By Building Online Civility
- How Online Harassment Impacts Adults
- Shame Nation: The Rise of Incivility in America
- The Impact of Cyberbullying on Young Girls
- How Social Media Can Dictate Your Job Status
- The Impact of Cyberbullying on Young Lives
- Living With The Incivility Of Trolls and Surviving
- When Building A Wall Becomes a Teachable Moment
- Helping Teens Understand Healthy Realtionships
- The Internet Troll in Me (Us)
- How A Tweet Can Spark A Cyber-Mob
- Why Parents Need To Be Better Students
- Knowing Your Digital Exposure: Protecting Your Internet Identity
- Bullying and Cyberbullying Breakdown: Mean, Rude or Bullying?
- October Brings Awareness to Cyberbullying and Medicine Abuse
- Expert Tips: Creating Cyber-Mentors to End Bullying
- Online Shaming: A Virtual Playground for Adults
- Why Are Kids Bystanders Rather Than Upstanders
- Moral Courage: Helping Teens Use Inner Strength and Use Their HEART to Help Friends
- Art of Commenting
- Sex Hasn’t Changed: Our Culture Has
- Polls Show Attitude Split Between Parents and Teens
- Digital Shaming: You Are Only A Click Away
- Protecting Your Teen From Being Catfished
- Impress Your College Admissions With An UnSelfie Digital Presence
- Can the Internet Ruin Your Life? 5 Tips to Help Your Avoid Online Trouble
- Catfishing: Teens Falling for Fake Online Identities
- Teens, Cyberbullying, Sexual Harassment and Social Media; The New Normal
- Fake Friends, Fake Boys, Fake Love: Identity Crisis Explores Online Fakers
- Be A CyberAdvocate To A Friend
- DigiWishes: Becoming A Cyber-Advocate
- Upstanders On the Rise For Bullying Prevention Month
- Must Read for Parents With Daughters On YouTube
- Do Parents Have a Right to Post Pictures of Their Kids Online
- Keeping Your Child and Teen Cyber Safe
- Cyberbullying: Almost Two Thirds of Adults Reported Digital Abuse
- Your Child’s Online Behavior is a Reflection of Offline Parenting
- Click or Treat: A Parent’s Role in Social Media
- Harvard Making Education a Priority for Everyone
- Being a Cyber-Mentor: A Role for All Ages
- Teen Girls and Leadership Biases: What Parents Should Know
- How Social Media Helps Transcend Grief
- Teens and Digital Wisdom: Give Them An Applause
- Are You A Parent Or A Sharent?
- Teens Have Figured It Out, Have Parents?
- Summer Months Brings Higher Death Rate For Teen Drivers
- When Your College Teen Is Home For the Summer
- Don’t Let Cyberbullying Ruin Fitness
- Teens, Technology & Social Media: What To Be Aware Of
- Talking To Kids About Legal Marijuana
- Building Digital Parenting Skills
- Why Social Media Behavior Matters
- Cyberbullying Is Not A Joke: How Celebrities and Public Figures Make A Difference
- Why Social Media Matters To Teens
- Parents: Check Your Online Behavior
- No One Is Immune to Online Shaming, Cyberbullying and Peer Cruelty
- It’s Not Only Youth, Parents Love Social Media Too
- New Surveys: Grown-ups Love Social Media and Cyberbullying Top Concern for Parents
- Put that iPhone Down: And 14 Other Digital Resolutions for 2015
- Digital Citizenship Is As Important As Potty Training: Let’s Start Cyber Civics Classes In All Schools
- Snap And Share With Care This Holiday Season
- Respecting Age Restrictions and Privacy Policies: Online Safety for Your Children
- What if you don’t like your kids’ friends?
- Online Safety: What Does It Mean to You?
- It’s Revealed: Cyberbullying and Online Cruelty Is Not Only Child’s Play
- Separating Fact From Fiction In The Digital World
- #TakeNoBullies Campaign Spreads Positive Messages in Negative Spaces
- Keeping Up With Our Digital Teens: Behind the Screens
- Should My Tween Have An Instagram Account?
- Teens and Screens Part 3: Who Sees What Online
- Are You Oversharing On Social Media
- Short Chats Are Better Than No Chats
- Making Caring Common Why Parents Should Lead By Example
- Bullying and Bigotry: Being Judged for Something Out of Your Control
- EndBullying, A Message That Starts With Us
- Teaching Your Teen How To Be a Smart Cyber-Citizen
- First Day of School Photos and Social Media: Ripe Pickings for Child Porn
- Building A Digital Dialogue and Relationship with Our Kids
- Back to School: Inspiring a Caring School Year When Study Reveals Kindness Takes a Backseat
- Back to School: Teens and Digital Stress
- Teens & Screens Part 2: Why Teens & Kids Don’t Tell They Are Being Cyberbullied
- Parenting Bullying: The One-Upper Society
- Teens & Screens Part 1: Raising Cyber Smart Citizens in Social Media
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