What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is when someone is mean to a child or young person under 18 online, so they feel bad or upset. It can happen on a social media site, game, app, or any other online or electronic service or platform. It can include: posts, comments, texts, messages, chats, livestreams, memes, images, videos and emails.

These are some examples of ways the internet can be used to make someone feel bad or upset:

• Sending hurtful messages about them or to them.
• Sharing embarrassing photos or videos of them, including sexual content.
• Recording and sharing physical abuse, violence or harassment.
• Spreading nasty online gossip about them.
• Leaving them out online. 
• Creating fake accounts in their name.
• Tricking them into believing you are someone else. 

For most children and young people, online life is a key part of their identity and how they communicate, so cyberbullying can be very harmful. It can cause a range of emotions including fear, anxiety, anger and despair. They may suffer trauma and ongoing depression.

If the child or young person is in immediate danger, it’s important to get help fast. For criminal activity such as physical violence or stalking, it’s best to report it to the police.

Cyberbullying and other negative behaviour can also be reported to the service or platform that was used to send, post or share it. 

If the behaviour goes against the platform guidelines, they will review and may take action, including removing the post. Most online platforms don't let users know the results of their report. 

Ask your child if they need support to check if the post is no longer there.

I think my child is being bullied.

Your child may not tell you if they are experiencing bullying behaviour online because of a fear that it might make things worse for them, or that they may lose access to their devices and the internet. They may also feel ashamed, especially if they have also been involved in bullying others online.

Signs to watch for:

• Being upset after using the internet or their devices, such as mobile phones
• Changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, anxious, sad or angry
• Appearing lonelier or more distressed 
• Unexpected changes in friendship groups 
• A slide in their school results 
• Changes in their sleep patterns 
• Avoiding school or clubs 
• A decline in their physical health 
• Becoming secretive about their online activities and device use.

If you are concerned about changes in your child’s behaviour, it’s a good idea to take action. You can speak with your GP or contact Kids Helpline for support.

Daniel Hunt

ICT Coordinator