Online Safety – A Guide for Parents and Carers
This guide offers advice for parents and carers on how to protect their children from cyberbullying and what actions to take if it occurs. Cyberbullying, which happens through technology like social media, mobile phones, and gaming platforms, can severely impact young people. The guide discusses how parents can help prevent it, monitor their child’s internet use, and handle incidents of cyberbullying.
Social Media and Online Behaviour
Children often use social media as part of their social interactions, which can lead to a false sense of security. They may share things online that they wouldn't say face-to-face, which can be misinterpreted and escalate into bullying. Parents need to be aware of how their children use these platforms and talk to them about responsible behaviour, as even comments meant as jokes can be misunderstood online. Cyberbullying often involves large audiences and can spiral quickly. Parents should also recognise that they should engage responsibly online, especially when criticising schools or staff, to avoid contributing to an unhealthy environment.
Open Conversations
It's essential to maintain open discussions with children about their online activity. Social networks often have age restrictions (usually 13+), and parents should explain why these exist. Additionally, children should feel comfortable coming to parents if they encounter any bullying online. Tools like Childnet and Antibullyingpro provide useful guidance on talking to children about these issues.
Monitoring and Setting Boundaries
Parents should set boundaries for internet use, ensuring their children understand safe practices. Using privacy settings, parental controls, and internet safety features provided by service providers is essential. The UK Safer Internet Centre and Thinkuknow offer resources on how to do this. For any internet safety issues, parents can seek help from The Parent Zone.
Advice for Children
Parents should teach their children to respect others online, be careful with what they share, and always report any inappropriate behaviour. It's important to use privacy settings, avoid talking to strangers, and learn how to block or report bullies. Children should also keep evidence of bullying incidents and seek support from trusted adults, teachers, or organisations like Childline.
Recognising Cyberbullying
Signs that a child might be experiencing cyberbullying include changes in behaviour, secrecy about online activities, or reluctance to attend school. Parents should take their child's concerns seriously, keep evidence, and work with the school if necessary. The Parent Zone has tips for dealing with bullying, and schools are expected to support affected students.
Support for Victims
Schools should provide help to all students affected by bullying, especially those targeted by malicious images or videos. The Department for Education offers resources to help schools support these children. Childline provides tips for rebuilding confidence after cyberbullying. Involving children in the resolution process can boost their self-esteem. Additional support for parents, carers, and schools is available through the Anti-Bullying Alliance and Facebook’s Empowering Parents and Families Guide.
For further information, please see below links to organisations that provide support on cyberbullying, our Online Safety Policy and the Department for Education’s Advice for parents and carers on cyberbullying.