How can you tell if your child is being bullied online, and what can you do to stop it?
TODAY psychologist Jo Lamble had all details.
Cyberbullying is more prevalent during the transitional ages between primary and secondary school:
• 49% of young people were cyberbullied aged 10-12 years
• 52% of young people were cyberbullied aged 13-14 years
• 29% of young people were cyberbullied aged 15-16 years
The most common situations for cyberbullying to occur were via email and online chat rooms:
• Email (46%)
• Online Chat rooms (44%)
• Social network sites (43%)
Social network sites became more dominant forms of cyberbullying in victims aged 13 and older
The majority of young people who have been cyberbullied have been impacted negatively, losing self-confidence
Impacts of cyberbullying include:
• Loss of Self-confidence (78%)
• Loss of Self-esteem (70%)
• Loss of Friendships (42%)
The most common forms of cyber bullying are:
• Name-calling (80%)
• Abusive comments (67%)
• Spreading rumours (66%)
More than half of those who are cyberbullied do not tell an adult (56%)
A number of researchers have proposed that the impacts of cyberbullying may be more severe than traditional forms of bullying due to the ability to reach more people and the 'always on' nature of the Internet
SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD MIGHT BE BEING CYBER-BULLIED
• Social withdrawal (not wanting to see friends)
• School refusal
• Excessive time online
• Depressed mood
• Changes in sleep or appetite
TIPS FOR PARENTS
• Keep computers & phones out of bedrooms
• Regularly talk about cyber-bullying
• Get to know their friends
• Check their privacy settings
• Discuss your concerns immediately
