💡 Ask the Expert: Cyberbullying 101

(2) This is because of the anonymity the internet provides, which makes it very difficult to identity cyberbullies and take the necessary interventions to stop their behaviour. Cyber-bullying can be asynchronous (not occurring in the same time and place) and continuous, so it can follow a victim around any and all the time as long as they are connected to the internet. Finally, unless you have good privacy settings for your child and are aware of their online activities, they are visible to a wider audience, which makes themselves vulnerable to strangers and dangerous behaviours.

Whether your child is the victim or the bully, there are some good ways for parents to respond: - Stay calm and be empathetic - don’t respond harshly or be quick to judge them. Don't rush to problem-solve, older kids don't appreciate a top-down approach as they may want to try and resolve the issue on their own - When they are ready to listen or communicate, talk to them about good online behaviours, and the importance of cyber-safety - Let them know you are there for them to deal with the issue, and they can come to you anytime - Involve other trusted adults (relatives, friends, teachers) who can observe the child and offer support, as many kids don't want to talk to their parents

Cyberbullying is one form of online harassment or online abuse. There are many different types, and some of them are traditional forms of bullying that now occur on online platforms. For parents of younger children, common types of bullying behaviours to look out for are: name calling, insults and abuse, public and humiliating pranks, spreading unpleasant rumours, and sharing personal photos or information without consent. Another type of cyber-bullying is exclusion, which involves intentionally singling out and excluding someone from an online group, and gossiping about them behind their back. These are all very hurtful, no matter how young or old someone is.

(2) Don’t take away their devices or cut screen time, unless the child is agreeable. Studies show that one of the main reasons that children (and young adults) shy away from telling a parent/guardian about their cyberbullying experience is that they are afraid that they would lose their devices/screen time. - Finally if a child isn't ready to talk about it, then don't pressure them. Just let them know you are there and trust them, but continue to observe their behaviours so that you can respond in a manner that best suits your child

3. Communicate: Have regular discussions with your child about what cyberbullying is, what comprises appropriate behaviour – by them and others (no name-calling or bullying, no sharing compromising images or personal details, etc.), and what to do if you they are being bullied.

If none of this works, then: Report and flag the abuse: Report it, flag it, get help from website administrators. Websites and social media companies have put in place various features on their platforms to deal with abuse. Do not suffer in silence. Contact the authorities: If the bullying persists despite these measures or is particularly nasty to begin with, contact the relevant authorities – HR or a manager if this occurs in your workplace. You can also file a police report, contact civil society organisations that work on this issue, and use any relevant legal provisions that work to protect you.

Thank you. Very useful tips!

But it’s also important to remember that just like with traditional bullying, reactions to cyberbullying vary. A proportion of victims are able to brush off their experience and move forward, either by themselves or with support, which is an important role for parents.

Cyberbullying is one form of online harassment or online abuse. There are many different types. For parents of younger children, common types of bullying behaviours to look out for are: name calling, insults and abuse, public and humiliating pranks, spreading unpleasant rumours, and sharing personal photos or information of someone without their consent. Another type of cyber-bullying is exclusion, which involves intentionally singling out and excluding someone from an online group, and gossiping about them behind their back. These are all very hurtful, no matter how young or old someone is.

Cyberbullying is one form of online harassment or online abuse. There are many different types. For parents of younger children, common types of bullying behaviours to look out for are: name calling, insults and abuse, public and humiliating pranks, spreading unpleasant rumours, and sharing personal photos or information of someone without their consent. Another type of cyber-bullying is exclusion, which involves intentionally singling out and excluding someone from an online group, and gossiping about them behind their back. These are all very hurtful, no matter how young or old someone is.