Cyberbullying – the hidden hurt

Cyberbullying is the use of technology to bully a person or group with the intent to hurt them socially, psychologically or even physically.

I think my child is being bullied

Your child may not tell you if they are experiencing bullying behaviour online because of a fear it might make things worse for them or they may lose access to their devices and the internet.

Signs to watch for:

• being upset after using the internet or their mobile phone

• changes in personality, becoming more withdrawn, anxious, sad or angry

• appearing more lonely or distressed

• unexpected changes in friendship groups

• a decline in their school work

• changes in their sleep patterns

• avoidance of school or clubs

• a decline in their physical health

• becoming secretive about their online activities and mobile phone use

What does cyberbullying look like?

Examples of cyberbullying include:

• abusive texts and emails

• hurtful messages, images or videos

• imitating, excluding or humiliating others online

• spreading nasty online gossip and chat

• creating fake accounts in someone’s name to trick or humiliate them