Supporting Your Child Against Cyberbullying

Guiding your child through the digital world is hard and helping them navigate the challenges of cyberbullying is even harder. Children aged 6-12 are at a critical stage in their development and may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of online harassment. In this article, we will explore effective strategies for parents to support their children in dealing with cyberbullying incidents.

Understanding Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying involves the use of digital technology to harass, threaten, or harm individuals. It can take various forms, including sending mean messages, spreading rumours, or sharing inappropriate content online. Children within the 6-12 age group may be targeted by peers (or even strangers) through online games or messaging apps.

Signs Your Child Might Be Experiencing Cyberbullying

• Emotional Changes: Watch out for sudden mood swings, anxiety, or withdrawal.

• Behavioural Changes: Pay attention to changes in eating or sleeping patterns, reluctance to use electronic devices, or avoidance of social situations.

• Academic Decline: Notice any drop in academic performance or interest in school.

• Physical Symptoms: Keep an eye out for unexplained headaches or stomach-aches, which could be stress-related.

Tips for Parents

• Open Communication: Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences with you. Encourage open dialogue without judgement.

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules about screen time, device usage, and online interactions. Monitor your child's online activities without invading their privacy.

• Educate Your Child: Teach your child about online safety, privacy settings, and the importance of reporting cyberbullying incidents to a trusted adult.

• Encourage Empathy: Help your child understand the impact of their words and actions online. Encourage kindness and empathy towards others.

• Seek Help When Needed: If your child is experiencing extreme distress due to cyberbullying, seek support from your child's school or family doctor.

Practical Steps to Address Cyberbullying

• Document Evidence: Keep a record of cyberbullying incidents, including screenshots of harmful messages or posts, to provide to relevant authorities.

• Report Abuse: Report cyberbullying incidents to the platform or app where the harassment occurred. Most online platforms have mechanisms in place to address such issues.

• Block and Mute: Empower your child to block or mute individuals engaging in cyberbullying behaviours to limit their exposure to harmful content.

• Emphasize Self-Care: Encourage your child to engage in activities they enjoy, spend time offline, and prioritize self-care to cope with the emotional impact of cyberbullying.

Navigating the complex landscape of cyberbullying requires proactive involvement from parents to ensure their children's well-being and safety online. By fostering open communication, setting boundaries, and providing support, parents can empower their 6-12 year olds to address cyberbullying incidents effectively. Remember, your guidance and support play a crucial role in helping your child navigate the digital world with resilience and confidence.

Stay vigilant, stay supportive and let's together create a safer online environment for our children.

Better Family Tech is committed to supporting parents in navigating the digital landscape and providing the tools and resources needed to keep children safe online. If you have any questions or would like to discuss personalised support, please contact us by email (info@betterfamilytech.com).

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a replacement for professional advice.