WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP

Don’t take away their device

Removing your child’s phone or computer could be really unhelpful. Cutting off their online access does not teach them about online safety, nor help build resilience. It could alienate them from their peers, and it also removes an essential tool for them to communicate and connect with friends.

Don’t panic

You want your child to feel confident that you’re not immediately going to get upset, angry or anxious if they tell you about the situation. You want them to know they can talk to you and feel heard. Talk to them without being judgmental or angry. Make them feel they can come to you.

Listen, think, pause

Gauge the scale of the problem. Does it exist in a peer group or is it more widespread? Is it a few remarks here and there? Or is it more serious? Empathise with your child and let them know that you understand how they feel. Take some time to consider the best course of action. Reassure your child you are working on it and will soon talk through some options.

Act to protect your child if necessary

If your child is being threatened, or if they indicate a wish to harm themselves, you should get professional help immediately.

Empower your child

Try to build your child’s confidence and help them make wise decisions for themselves, rather than telling them what to do.

Manage contact with others

Advise your child not to retaliate or respond to bullying messages, as sometimes people say hurtful things just to get a response and it could make things worse. Help your child to block or unfriend the person sending the messages, and to change their privacy settings to restrict who can see their posts and profile.

Collect evidence

Before you or your child block someone or delete posts or other bullying material, take screenshots and collect evidence, including dates and times. This could be useful if the bullying continues and you need to report it.

Report

Many social media services, games, apps and websites make it easy to report content posted by other people. You can also make a report to eSafety (esafety.gov.au) on your child’s behalf if they are aged under 18. The eSafety team can help get hurtful content taken down.

Reach out to school

School might have a cyber-bullying policy and be able to provide support, whether or not the bullying is from a student at your child’s school. With your child’s agreement, talk to their teacher or the school counsellor.

Encourage positive connections and coping strategies

Try to keep your child engaged with interests like sports or dance that connect them with other young people outside school, or with activities that involve extended family. Help your child identify tools they can use to work through the situation and build resilience.

Stay aware

Check in with your child from time to time about how they are feeling. Keep an eye on their eating and sleeping habits, their ability to concentrate and their overall mood. Source: esafety.gov.au