Parents can play an important role in supporting their child who is experiencing cyberbullying. They are often the first to notice signs of an abnormal situation, such as sudden anxiety, negative emotions, or reluctance to return to school. Parents should never underestimate the importance of their emotional support and listening. Effectively intervening by respecting the child’s pace is crucial to helping them in their problematic situation.

How to help a child experiencing cyberbullying

Children often turn to their parents when they experience cyberbullying, hoping that talking to them could improve the situation. Here are some tips if your child is facing this problem.

How to help a child who is cyberbullying others

If you learn that your child is engaging in cyberbullying, know that this does not mean you are a bad parent or that your child is a bad person. Many factors can contribute to this behavior. However, as a parent, it is your responsibility to act to stop these wrongful actions. We are all capable of making mistakes, but recognizing them and trying to rectify them is essential. Here are some tips to help your child in this process.

How to help a witness of cyberbullying

If your child witnesses cyberbullying, there are several actions they can take to help change the situation. First, they should avoid supporting the cyberbully by not reacting to their posts and avoiding sharing them. A cyberbully who sees a lack of support is less likely to continue their actions.

Support the victim and report

Your child can also offer support to the person experiencing cyberbullying and encourage them to seek help. If the victim hesitates to do so, your child can inform a trusted adult about the situation. They can also, if comfortable, publicly express their disagreement with the cyberbully’s actions or offer support to the victim. For example, they can comment on the bullying post to express opposition or write something positive about the targeted person. If other witnesses join in, the impact will be greater and easier to achieve.

Misconduct can be reported to platform administrators, but if there is a threat to the victim’s safety, such as threats or actions, they should be reported immediately to an adult and the police.

How to help a young person who sent an intimate image

By offering listening, advice, and appropriate intervention, parents help their child overcome a cyberbullying event. Their reassuring presence and actions are essential to protect their child, restore their confidence, and ensure their online safety. 

If you need advice or support related to your situation, Tel-jeunes Parents is a free and accessible organization that offers help for parents and resources for their children. Do not hesitate to contact them.

Resources for parents

Tel-jeunes Parents is there for you! To listen, to reflect on your situation, or to make known the services and resources available for your teen.