In the digital age, children are growing up immersed in technology, scrolling through social media, playing online games, and engaging in digital communication from a young age. While these technologies offer numerous benefits, they also present new risks, particularly in the form of cyberbullying. As a parent or guardian, your role is crucial in helping children recognise, understand, and respond to cyberbullying effectively. Conversations about online safety and respectful digital behaviour should begin early and evolve with your child’s age and online engagement.

Understanding Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying involves using digital technologies—such as social media, messaging apps, or online forums—to intimidate, humiliate, or harm another person. It can take the form of mean texts, spreading rumours online, sharing embarrassing photos, or intentionally excluding someone from online groups. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can happen 24/7 and often reaches a wide audience quickly.

According to the Cyberbullying Research Center (2023), approximately 37% of children aged 12–17 have experienced some form of cyberbullying, and many do not report it to their parents or teachers. The effects can be just as severe—or even more damaging—than offline bullying, leading to anxiety, depression, sleep problems, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts (Hinduja & Patchin, 2022).

Why Parents Need to Talk About It

Many children avoid telling parents about cyberbullying out of fear that they will lose internet privileges or be blamed. Others feel shame or worry that adults will not understand. This is why open, empathetic, and proactive conversations are critical.

By talking regularly and without judgment, you create a safe space for your child to share concerns, ask questions, and seek help when needed. These conversations also allow you to set healthy boundaries and monitor your child’s online interactions without invading their privacy.

How to Start the Conversation

1. Create a Safe, Judgment-Free Zone

Begin the conversation in a non-confrontational setting, such as during a walk or after dinner. Use open-ended questions like:

• “Have you ever seen someone being mean online?”
• “How would you respond if someone shared something mean or harmful about you or a friend online?”

Avoid lecturing. Instead, listen actively and validate their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to feel upset, angry, or confused—and that you’re there to support them.

2. Educate About Digital Citizenship

Teach your child about responsible online behaviour, emphasising empathy, kindness, and respect. Discuss:

• The importance of not sharing personal information
• How to block or report harmful users
• Why it's never okay to post or forward hurtful content

Encourage them to think critically about how their words or actions may affect others. Role-play different scenarios so they feel prepared to handle difficult situations.

3. Explain What Cyberbullying Looks Like

Some children may not realise they are being cyberbullied or that they are unintentionally contributing to it. Explain that cyberbullying can include:

• Name-calling or insults in chats
• Spreading rumours or lies online
• Excluding someone from a group or chat
• Posting embarrassing images or videos
• Threatening or intimidating messages

Help them differentiate between joking, teasing, and intentional harm. If they witness bullying, discuss ways to be an upstander—reporting it, supporting the victim, or telling a trusted adult.

How to Support Your Child If They’re Experiencing Cyberbullying

• Stay Calm and Supportive:- If your child confides in you, respond with empathy. Avoid reacting with anger or immediately taking away their devices, as this may discourage future openness. Instead, reassure them that they’re not alone and you’ll work through it together.
• Document the Evidence:- Advise your child to keep records—like screenshots, messages, or emails—of any cyberbullying they experience. These can be important evidence if you need to report the issue to the school, online platforms, or authorities.
• Block and Report the Bully:- Most social media and gaming platforms have options to block users and report abuse. Walk your child through these steps. If the bully is a classmate, consider contacting the school counselor or administration.
• Seek Professional Help if Needed:- If the bullying impacts your child’s mental health—manifesting as withdrawal, anxiety, changes in sleep or eating habits—it may be beneficial to consult a mental health professional. Online counseling platforms like TalktoAngel can offer flexible, accessible support tailored to your child’s needs.

Tips for Prevention

• Set Digital Boundaries: Establish rules about screen time, acceptable content, and privacy settings.
• Monitor Without Spying: Keep devices in common areas and occasionally check in, but respect their privacy and build trust.
• Encourage Open Dialogue: Normalise conversations about their online world. Ask regularly, “How are things going online?”
• Be a Role Model: Demonstrate positive online behaviour. Children often mimic adult behaviour, including how to handle conflict or stress digitally.

The Long-Term Impact

Repeated exposure to cyberbullying can affect a child’s academic performance, self-esteem, and mental health. However, with timely intervention, parental guidance, and emotional support, children can recover and build resilience. These conversations empower them to make better choices, seek help, and support others.

Conclusion

Talking to your child about cyberbullying isn’t a one-time discussion—it’s an ongoing conversation. In a digital era where the line between online and offline life is increasingly blurred, building a foundation of trust, safety, and mutual respect is vital. Remember: prevention begins with communication.

Contributed By: Dr. (Prof.) R. K. Suri, Clinical Psychologist and Life Coach, &. Ms. Sakshi Dhankhar, Counselling Psychologist.

References

• Cyberbullying Research Center. (2023). Cyberbullying statistics (2023). https://cyberbullying.org
• Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2022). Cyberbullying: Identification, prevention, and response. Cyberbullying Research Center. https://cyberbullying.org/cyberbullying-identification-prevention-response
• Livingstone, S., & Helsper, E. J. (2008). Parental mediation of children's internet use. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 52(4), 581–599. https://doi.org/10.1080/08838150802437396
• Tokunaga, R. S. (2010). Following you home from school: A critical review and synthesis of research on cyberbullying victimization. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(3), 277–287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2009.11.014
• https://www.talktoangel.com/blog/effect-of-cyberbullying-on-mental-health

• https://www.talktoangel.com/blog/bullying-examining-the-parent-child-relationship
• https://www.talktoangel.com/blog/bullying-prevention-strategies
• https://www.talktoangel.com/blog/bullying-awareness-recognizing-the-signs-in-teens