Be on lookout for bullies who try to make life miserable

Cyberbullying is a huge worry for parents – eight out of 10 fear it happening most over group chat.

Online bullying can take many forms, from sending offensive messages to spreading false rumours – or even hacking in to someone else’s account and sharing their private information.

But how do you spot it? Watch for youngsters who stop using their devices suddenly, or who become nervous or jumpy when online.

Alternatively, kids who become obsessive about constantly being online could be victims too.

At home, watch out for changes in behaviour – becoming sad, withdrawn or angry, or lashing out and coming up with excuses not to go to school.

If they avoid discussions about who they are talking to online, that could also be a clue.

It can be daunting when your child is being bullied but the first step is to identify it and talk about it in a calm, considered way.

Stopping them going online might make things worse – and make them feel more isolated.

Help them deal with it themselves if it is among school friends. Advise them to tell the person how it made them feel and to ask them to remove any offensive posts or pictures.

Ask your children not to respond to abusive messages, and to block the sender and report them to the social network or gaming platform.

Keep screenshot evidence of what has been going on in case you need proof at a later date.

Don’t deal with it alone either. Talk to friends for support and, if necessary, your child’s school – which will have an anti-bullying policy.

You might also want to contact the police. Cyberbulling can be illegal, especially if it involves sharing naked images, known as revenge porn.

The charity bullying.co.uk has a great section on cyberbullying and its effects on kids. Parents can call support services on 0808 800 2222.

And childline.org.uk is a great resource for tweens and teens, with a support system on message boards and trained counsellors.

Other helpful sites include bullybusters.org.uk and, in Scotland, respectme.org.uk.

RESOURCES