Cyberbullying:
how can you protect your child?
What is cyberbullying?
Social media, messaging apps, forums, online games… these days, bullying doesn’t stop at the front door. It can affect children at any time through digital platforms.
Cyberbullying refers to intentional and repeated online attacks that can affect a child’s well-being, self-confidence, and daily life.
Recognizing cyberbullying
There are 5 key indicators of cyberbullying
- 1The intent to cause harm
The perpetrator seeks to humiliate, threaten, or harm the victim.
- 2Repetition of the acts
The attacks occur repeatedly over time, both online and offline.
- 3An imbalance of power
Popularity, age, or digital savvy may be used to dominate the victim.
- 4An existing social context
Cyberbullying is often an extension of bullying within a real-world group: school, sports, or a circle of friends.
- 5An impact on the victim
The attacks create a humiliating atmosphere and affect daily life.
How can I tell if my child is being cyberbullied?
Children don't always feel comfortable talking about cyberbullying. Out of fear or shame, they may keep quiet. There are certain signs that can alert you.
Emotional cues
Unusual mood changes such as:
- Sudden or persistent sadness
- Anxiety when receiving notifications
- Irritability or overreactions
- A loss of self-confidence
- Sleep disturbances
Tip:
If your child seems upset after receiving a message, calmly start a conversation: “I get the feeling something is bothering you. Would you like to talk about it?”.
Changes in behavior
Some changes in behavior may be linked to cyberbullying:
- Refusal to go to school
- Withdrawal
- Avoiding their smartphone
- Decline in academic performance
Tip:
Talk regularly about their online life to keep the conversation flowing naturally: “What games or apps are you using right now?”.
What should I do if my child is being cyberbullied?
Regarding the author
- Avoid responding to hateful messages: this can encourage further harassment.
- Block the sender(s) to prevent any further contact with your child.
Online
- Report the content on the relevant platform or app (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, etc.).
- Save evidences: screenshots, messages, photos, emails, or testimonials. Be sure to note the date of the incident.
- Request that content be removed from search engine results so that it no longer appears when searching for the victim’s name.
Inform and seek support
- Notify the school, in consultation with your child, if the incident involves other students.
- Seek advice from specialized organizations.
- Contact the police if the situation is serious or ongoing.
The sooner you take action, the more you can limit the consequences.
Good habits to develop with your child
- Listen to signs that may indicate bullying
- Support your child and remind them that they are not to blame
- Praise them for speaking up, without making them feel guilty
- Decide together on the steps to take
- Keep dialogue open and provide ongoing support
Cyberbullying: the perpetrator, the victim, and the bystander
Cyberbullying can quickly turn into a group phenomenon through sharing and reactions. There are three distinct roles: the perpetrators, the victim, and the bystanders.
What should I do if my child witnesses cyberbullying?
A child may witness cyberbullying without participating in it. However, their reaction can either make the situation worse or help put a stop to it.
Here are some tips for supporting them if they witness cyberbullying:
- Don’t participate in the bullying: explain to them that liking or sharing a hurtful message can encourage the bullying
- Support the victim: a simple message of support can already help the person being targeted. Remind them that there is a real person behind every screen.
- Report the content: most social media platforms and games allow you to report abusive behavior.
- Talk to an adult: if the situation seems serious or makes them uncomfortable, they can talk to someone they trust.
What should I do if my child is a cyberbully?
Finding out that your child is bullying someone online can be difficult. The goal is to help them understand their actions and adopt respectful behavior online.
Talk to them calmly:
- Explain that bullying is unacceptable; don’t condemn them, but ask them about their behavior.
- Help them take responsibility: what may seem like a “joke” can actually hurt others and be punishable by law.
- Encourage empathy: ask them how they would feel in the same situation.
- Work together to find a way to end the situation and make amends (for example, via sorrybox.be).
- Avoid banning the Internet: teach them to adopt positive and respectful behavior online.
How can we prevent cyberbullying?
Prevention starts with open communication and guidance. By helping your child develop healthy online habits, you can reduce the risk of cyberbullying:
- Talk regularly about their online life and the social media platforms they use.
- Teach them about online respect: there’s a real person behind every screen.
- Encourage your child to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or witness hurtful behavior.
- Set rules together for smartphone and internet use: screen time, acceptable behavior, sharing photos or information.
- Explain the risks of being online: what is posted on the internet can be seen, shared, and remain visible for a long time.
- Use parental control to monitor smartphone use.
Mobile Kids+, the secure mobile subscription for kids
With Mobile Kids+, Proximus offers a mobile subscription for kids that helps parents keep their children safe and manage their smartphone use:
- Manage your child’s screen time
- Filter certain content and apps
- Online support through educational content
Tips and tricks for parents
How can you manage a child's screen time?
Simple tips to better manage screen time as a family.
Parental control: balancing trust and online safety
Stay aware of your child’s online activities while respecting their autonomy.
My child's first smartphone: tips to get started
Support your child with their first smartphone.
