Dealing With Cyberbullying - Safer Schools NI

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Bullying is not a normal part of childhood and should never happen in any form. Unfortunately, this is a common struggle for children and young people today, and advancing technology only increases the risk. The long-term impact of cyberbullying on a young person’s physical and mental wellbeing can be profound. Cyberbullying, as with all bullying, can contribute to mental health disorders, substance misuse, and, in extreme cases, suicidal ideation.

In this blog, we offer key advice to reduce bullying and mitigate its impact on children and young people. Every child has the right to live in a safe and healthy environment free from bullying, harassment and intimidation in all forms.

What is Cyberbullying?

The National Bullying Helpline defines Cyberbullying as bullying and harassment using technology. This includes trolling, mobbing, stalking, grooming, or any form of abuse online. Cyberbullying can be more difficult to escape than offline bullying, as this form of bullying does not stop at the school gates.

Unfortunately, cyberbullying is only getting worse.  According to an ONS report, 19.1% of children have experienced an online bullying behaviour, with 64.7% them reporting that the bullying came from someone who went to their school. Since then, Ofcom’s 2024 “Media Use and Attitudes” report found that 3 in 10 of all 8-17s have experienced bullying via communication technology. There has also been an increase in the proportion of all 8-17s who have experienced bullying via social media platforms.

Now more than ever, children and young people view online interactions as equal to in-person interactions. This can only increase the harmful effects of cyberbullying.

What You Need to Know

According to a study by the World Health Organisation in 2024, one in six school-aged children experience cyberbullying.
According to research by ONS released in 2024, 18.1% who experienced an online bullying behaviour and 14.7% who experienced an in-person bullying behaviour did not tell anyone.
There are signs to look out for which may signal that your child is being bullied. Read about them here.

What to do if a Child or Young Person in Your Care is Being Bullied Online

Children and young people in your care may not use the word bullying to describe what is happening to them, so it’s important to listen if they mention things which are upsetting them or worrying them online. You can use the following advice if a child or young person describes an experience which sounds like, or is, online bullying:

Take the time to listen to them and try not to interrupt. It is important not to get angry or upset at the situation
Don’t stop them from accessing social media platforms or online games. This will likely feel like punishment and may stop them from confiding in you in the future
Reassure the child or young person that things will change, and that they have done the right thing by telling you. This can help reduce any anxiety they might be feeling
Make sure the child or young person knows that it is not their fault and that they have done nothing wrong
As a parent or carer, it is important not to get involved or retaliate in cases of online bullying. This will likely make the situation worse for the child or young person
Talk to your child about what they would like to see happen. Involving them in how the bullying is resolved will help them feel in control of the situation

Online bullying can have serious adverse effects on the lives of children and young people,
but by remaining vigilant and following our key advice, it is possible to mitigate the impact on victims and stop the bullying.

Further Support

Make sure to teach children and young people how to block and report users. You can find instructions on how to do this for all major social media platforms at Our Safety Centre. 