Ask an expert: How do I know if my child is being bullied on line? What can I do if they are?
Post categories: children,Ìýsafety,Ìýsharetakecare
| 11:06 UK time, Monday, 6 February 2012
Answered by our panel of experts:
Bullying is bullying regardless of the means used – the behaviours exhibited by victims are the same. If your child is being bullied online you might notice changes in them and their behaviour. Are they withdrawn or have become depressed or aggressive or short with you or their brothers and sisters?
Any change to their online habits, not using it so much or becoming obsessive but anxious about using it?Ìý Any changes in attitudes to school or other friends?
There is no one way of knowing, but it is ok to ask them directly. Have they received an email or instant message that’s upset them?Ìý How’s it going on Facebook? Has anyone said anything they don’t like about them or are there posts or pictures they are not happy about?Ìý
Have they had a bad experience whilst chatting on their game console or messenger programme? Asking these questions as a regular part of your own conversation with your child can help make it easier for them to talk to you if something does happen.
If you find out they are being bullied, reassure them that they are right not to tackle it alone. You will need to know the scale of it, and it may be that a few practical things might help like changing their privacy settings, removing friends from Facebook or using inbuilt tools to bar people. Be sure to tell them not to respond.
You need to know if it is someone at school and if so, you may need to contact the school; they will have an anti-bullying policy which incorporates cyberbullying.Ìý
The internet can also be helpful to you - the which is run by young people for young people who have been bullied may be a good place for your child to get some support.
The also provides good advice and the can provide advice to parents. And Child Line can be another ear for your child if they want to talk to someone.
If you are a parent and are worried about your teen or child over-sharing online visit the Share Take Care: Ask an expert page to read the advice our panel of experts gave other parents.
Visit the Share Take Care website for more information on help and support for parents.
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