Wellbeing and digital life
What is cyberbullying and how should adults respond?
Direct answer
Cyberbullying involves harmful behaviour through digital platforms. Listen to the child, protect safety and keep relevant evidence when appropriate. Use platform reporting tools and involve the school or other responsible services as needed. Avoid blaming the child for reporting.
What this means in practice
Online harm can continue beyond school hours and reach a wider audience. Ask what the child fears and plan responses together where safe. Deleting everything immediately may remove useful evidence, while forwarding harmful content can spread the harm.
Practical next steps
- Listen and assess immediate safety.
- Preserve relevant evidence safely.
- Report and coordinate support.
Illustrative example
Save a threatening message securely and contact the appropriate school staff, rather than sharing it in a parents' group.
What to keep in mind
Threats, exploitation or immediate danger require urgent safeguarding or emergency action.
Sources and further reading
The sources inform the explanation. Practical examples are educational illustrations, not individual clinical advice. How these answers are prepared.
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