Cyberbullying

Digital media use leads to a wider and faster dissemination of information, unrestricted by place or time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). This can amplify cases of bullying.
Bullying and cyberbullying can have serious adverse effects on the physical and psychological well-being of the child.

Support your child:

• Make it clear to them that they can talk to you at any time.
• Advise them to identify other trusted adults in school and in their entourage who they can talk to (teachers, school nurses, etc.).
• Explain that they will never be responsible for any mockery they might experience.
• Tell them that you are there to protect them should they be threatened with retaliation.

You have reasons for concern if your child:

• is constantly late for class. Late arrivals may be due to a strategy to avoid classmates in the schoolyard or hallways.
• no longer wants to engage in one of their extracurricular activities.
• often misses school.
• is getting lower grades.
• often has headaches or stomach aches.
• is sleep deprived.
• suffers from eating disorders.
• becomes aggressive.
• becomes isolated and withdrawn.
• shows signs of low self-esteem.

If your child is a victim of bullying or cyberbullying:

• Ask them to describe the situation they are experiencing.
• Listen to them without judgement.
• Ask them if you can take a look at the messages, photos and videos published on the Internet without their consent.
• Inform their teacher and school administration of the situation so they can deal with it as early as possible and stop it.
• Remember that, depending on the situation, the law can protect your child.
• With your child’s consent, collect and keep evidence (photos or screenshots of the content).
• You can call the nearest police department to report the situation.
• Depending on the advice of the police:
  • Go to the police department with or without your child, with the evidence.
  • File a complaint.
  • Report the content and/or block the accounts of bullies.

To help you maintain a consistent approach:

• Remember that your child is a victim; making them feel guilty will not solve the situation and will prevent them from feeling confident enough to tell you and give you as much information as possible.
• Be patient; your child will need time to report what happened to them.
• Offer your child the opportunity to receive psychological support.

If your child witnesses bullying or cyberbullying:

• Tell them that they can play a key role in helping adults identify the situation and get it under control.
  • Invite them to talk to you or to a trusted adult in their school.
  • Ask them not to participate in the bullying.
  • Encourage them to express support for the victim.
  • If your child is afraid of retaliation for disagreeing with the situation, advise them to talk to their friends to see if they can act as a group.