Awareness of Cyberbullying Risks and Supporting Your Child – Advice for Parents and Caregivers

Cyberbullying involves using digital technology to demean, shame, harass, intimidate, or pressure a child. It can take various forms, such as sending insulting messages, spreading rumors, or sharing humiliating images or videos through social media, messaging platforms, gaming sites, or mobile phones. Creating fake accounts under someone else's name to deceive or belittle them is also a form of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is a repetitive behavior that can have a devastating impact on children, whose online presence is an important part of their identity and social interactions.

I Suspect My Child is a Victim of Cyberbullying

Your child may not tell you about online bullying due to fear that disclosing it might worsen their situation or lead to losing access to their devices or the internet. Warning signs include:
• Anxiety after using the internet or mobile phone
• Secrecy about online activities or mobile phone usage
• Mood changes, such as being withdrawn, agitated, sad, or angry
• Sudden changes in friend groups
• Decline in academic performance
• Isolation, avoiding school, and reluctance to socialize
• Sleep disturbances
• Physical health issues
• And more

Try to Avoid Taking Devices Away Immediately

Taking away your child’s phone or restricting computer access may have undesired effects. Stopping internet access won’t teach them online safety or help resolve the issue. Instead, it may limit their ability to connect with peers.

Stay Calm and Open — Don’t Panic

Promote a trusting and friendly relationship. Establishing open communication and dialogue early on is the best way to ensure this. If they share concerns about cyberbullying or other issues, try not to panic or show anger. Talk without judgment, letting them know they can always come to you with any problem. Listen, reflect, and take a pause. Avoid reacting immediately to the cyberbullying incident. Take time to discuss possible responses. Reassure your child that you are seeking the best solution and will review options together. Let them know they can talk to you at any time if they need to.

Gather Evidence, Assess the Scope of the Problem

Is cyberbullying happening within a peer group or on a larger scale? Are there just a few instances, or is it more serious? Show empathy and let your child know you understand how they feel. Gather evidence. Don’t delete posts or offensive material right away. Instead, take screenshots, noting dates and times. Evidence may be needed if a report is necessary. If the bullying isn’t severe but is affecting your child deeply, it may be helpful to consult a professional.

Empower Your Child. Encourage them to build confidence and help them make sound decisions instead of simply telling them what to do.

Take Action to Protect Your Child

Report the incident to the relevant online service provider. Many social media platforms, games, apps, and websites have procedures for reporting inappropriate content posted by others. If the provider (social media platform, online game service, etc.) does not respond, you or your child can report the issue to the police. If the cyberbullying involves threats or signs that your child may harm themselves, seek professional help immediately. Contact support services like the children’s helpline at 111, or call emergency services at 112.

Prevent Further Contact

Advise your child not to retaliate or respond to bullying messages, as this may worsen the situation. Sometimes, people write or say hurtful things just to get a reaction. If your child has already responded, ask them to refrain from further reactions.

Help your child use the app’s internal features to ignore, mute, or block unwanted contacts. Encourage them to review privacy settings to control who can view their posts and profile. Ask your child to check with friends if they still see any disparaging content about them and ask friends to help report it. The more people report specific content (posts, comments, photos/videos), the more likely the platform will respond promptly by removing the content or blocking the perpetrator. If cyberbullying occurs in the school setting, speak to a trusted teacher or school official with your child’s consent.

Encourage Positive Connections and Coping Strategies

Encourage your child to maintain other interests, like sports or dance, and activities that connect them with other kids outside of school. Support positive social relationships that bring them joy and remind them they are loved and cared for.

Stay Informed

Regularly check in on how your child is feeling. Monitor their eating and sleep patterns, attention span, and overall mood. If you notice any changes, seek help for your child through counseling or online support services.