Week against bullying: cyberbullying.

Week against bullying: cyberbullying.

During the week against bullying we pay extra attention to how important a safe school environment is. Where bullying used to happen mainly on the schoolyard, it now often takes place online.

Through for example Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, chat groups or online games a child can be confronted 24/7 with hurtful comments, exclusion or threats. That is why cyberbullying is often even more impactful: it does not stop when the bell rings. 

What is cyberbullying? 

Cyberbullying is bullying through digital means. This can include offensive or hurtful messages in chat groups, sharing mean videos or photos, or excluding children from online groups. Threatening or anonymous messages, rumors, and creating fake accounts also fall under this. 

How do you recognize that your child is bullied online? 

Not every child tells right away what is happening. As a parent, you can watch for signals. Sometimes a child suddenly does not want to be online, or checks the phone obsessively. Changes in sleep or eating patterns can also be a sign, as well as withdrawn or sad behavior. Some children get physical complaints without a clear cause. Others show tension around school or social situations. 

What can you do as a parent? 

Online bullying does not stop at the school door, but also happens at home, in clubs or sports associations and in the neighborhood. It is important that rules about online behavior are made at home, at school, and at places where your child often comes. It can help if you also bring this up yourself. For example at the start of the sports season or the new school year.   

It is important to start a conversation. Ask calmly what is happening and show understanding, without judging or pushing solutions. If your child wants, look together at the messages or accounts. Then it can help to make agreements about healthy online use, for example by taking regular breaks. Save evidence, such as screenshots, because that can be important later. Does the problem stay or get worse? Then involve the school (trusted person or the contact person for bullying) and, when needed, an external organization like Meldknop, Helpwanted or the police. Your child can also find help at the Kindertelefoon. 

What can schools do? 

Primary and secondary schools have the legal task to provide a socially safe environment for your child. A good safety policy also pays attention to cyberbullying. It is also important that students learn about media literacy and online behavior. A trusted person at school can make it easy for children to tell their story. It also helps when clear rules apply about digital behavior in class and the school acts consistently when these rules are broken. 

Some schools have an anti-bullying protocol. Do you want to read the school’s anti-bullying protocol? You can find it in the school guide. The school must also have an anti-bullying coordinator and a contact person for bullying. This contact person is there for students and parents and is often also the trusted person.