Protecting kids from online bullying
As parents, one of our biggest concerns is keeping our children safe. Children are spending more time online, either on laptops, gaming devices, tablets or phones exploring games, and social media, watching video, and chatting with friends.
This presents new risks, and one of the biggest threats young people face online today is bullying. Cyberbullying can have a profound impact on a child’s mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. So, what can you do to protect your child from online bullying? In this blog, we’ll go through some practical steps you can take.
Start Conversations Early
It’s crucial to have ongoing, open conversations with your children about the internet. These discussions don’t have to be long or formal but should start early, even before they enter the online world. You can talk about the importance of kindness, respecting others, and how certain actions can hurt feelings, even if they happen online.
Ask them if they know what cyberbullying is and give them real-life examples to help them understand. Normalize talking about online issues so that your child feels comfortable coming to you if something ever goes wrong. You want them to know that they won’t be in trouble if they come to you for help.
Top Tip – Make these talks part of a regular routine—maybe when you’re doing the school run or having dinner—so it feels natural and ongoing rather than a one-off lecture.
Educate Them About Online Behaviour
Most children don’t fully grasp the impact their words can have online. One comment they think is funny could deeply hurt another child, especially since written text lacks the tone and body language we rely on in face-to-face conversations. Make sure your child understands that anything they say or share online has real-world consequences.
Discuss with them the long-lasting nature of digital interactions. Once something is shared or posted, it can be difficult—if not impossible—to erase. Help them see the importance of being mindful and respectful, not just for their safety but for others too.
Monitor Online Activity Without Spying
Monitoring your child’s online activities doesn’t mean you need to be a helicopter parent. There are ways to keep an eye on what they’re doing while still giving them space to grow and learn. Install parental controls on devices to restrict access to harmful content, but also make sure you have agreements in place about how, when, and why you’re checking their activity.
Some parents opt for periodic check-ins, while others have more structured approaches where they review social media accounts and messages together with their children. Whatever method you choose, ensure it’s based on trust rather than surveillance. You want your child to feel safe, not spied on.
Top Tip – You can use apps that notify you of potentially harmful or dangerous behaviour, like Bark or Qustodio, which monitor texts and social media for concerning activity without invading your child’s privacy too much.
Encourage Offline Friendships and Activities
Cyberbullying can be relentless because the internet is 24/7. Encouraging your child to have a well-rounded life outside of the online world can provide an important emotional buffer if they experience any online bullying.
Help them build friendships in real life through clubs, sports, or other activities. The stronger their offline friendships, the less they may feel dependent on online validation, which can sometimes be a source of stress or bullying.
Teach Them How to Screenshot, Block and Report
Most online platforms, social media apps, and games have built-in tools to help users protect themselves from cyberbullying. Teach your child how to use these features effectively. Show them how to block someone who is harassing them and how to report abusive behaviour.
It’s also important to teach them when to use these tools. Sometimes, kids might be hesitant to block someone for fear of social repercussions, but they must know that their safety and well-being come first.
Top Tip – Practice with them by going through the steps of blocking someone on a platform they use, such as Snapchat, Instagram, or WhatsApp. That way, they’ll feel more comfortable taking action when needed.
Recognize the Signs of Cyberbullying
Sometimes children don’t tell their parents they’re being bullied because they’re ashamed or afraid of how you might react. This is why it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of cyberbullying. Some common signs include:
– Sudden changes in mood, especially after using their phone or computer
– Unexplained anxiety, sadness, or anger
– Withdrawal from social interactions, both online and offline
– Reluctance to go to school or participate in activities they used to enjoy
– Avoidance of specific apps, websites, or devices
If you notice these behaviours, gently approach your child about it. Rather than asking if they’re being bullied, which might make them feel defensive, you could ask if anything online has been bothering them lately.
Build Resilience and Self-Esteem
No parent wants their child to be bullied, but it’s important to prepare them to handle adversity, whether it happens online or in real life. Help them build their self-esteem by encouraging their interests and passions. A child who feels confident in themselves is less likely to be deeply affected by online bullying, and more likely to brush off hurtful comments.
Teach them to stand up for themselves in a constructive way, whether that means reporting bullying, blocking harmful users, or simply logging off. When your child feels supported and confident, they’ll be better equipped to handle tough situations online.
Know When to Get Involved
As much as we want to empower our children to solve their problems, there are times when parental involvement is necessary. If the bullying is persistent, severe, or involves threats of violence, you need to step in.
Contact the platform where the bullying is happening and report the abuse. If it’s happening at school, get in touch with school administrators to discuss their anti-bullying policies and how they handle online incidents. If things escalate, don’t hesitate to involve law enforcement.
Top Tip – Make sure you document everything—screenshots, dates, messages—so you have evidence to support your case when dealing with the authorities or platform administrators.
Stay Informed and Updated
Technology changes rapidly, and new social media platforms pop up all the time. Stay informed about the apps and websites your child is using. You don’t need to know every detail, but a general understanding of their digital environment can help you keep them safe.
Sign up for parent newsletters or online safety resources that keep you updated on trends, risks, and tools. This way, you’ll be equipped to have relevant conversations with your child as new online platforms and challenges emerge.
Wrapping it up
Protecting your child from online bullying requires ongoing effort, but it’s worth it to ensure they can enjoy the positive aspects of the digital world without fear. By staying informed, fostering open communication, and teaching them the right tools and strategies, you can give your child the support they need to navigate the online world safely and confidently.
