Cyberbullying hurts – fast, silent, and often unseen. This page breaks it down: what it is, how it spreads, and what you can do to stop it. Let’s fight back with facts, support, and kindness..

🛡️ Online Safety and Cyberbullying in 2025 – A Guide for Parents

🧠 Why Online Safety Matters More Than Ever

Children live online — it’s where they learn, laugh, connect and sometimes cry. While the internet offers amazing opportunities, it also brings real risks. Cyberbullying is now one of the biggest threats to children’s mental health.

Knowing how to spot it — and stop it — is more vital than ever.

💬 Talk, Listen, Stay Ahead

Start early. Keep the conversation going. Ask your child how they spend their time online. Don’t just warn — join in.

Play a game together. Explore a new app. Watch their favourite videos. It builds trust — and makes the tough conversations easier later.

Tip: Most children won’t come forward if they feel judged. Stay curious. Stay open. Understand what draws them in so you can keep them safe without shutting them down.

🌐 Why Children Go Online

It’s their world. They go online to:

• Research homework

• Chat on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Discord

• Watch or post on YouTube, TikTok

• Share updates via Instagram, BeReal

• Game on Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft

• Use AI tools to create or solve problems

• Explore VR and metaverse apps

The platforms may change — but the need to belong stays the same. And that’s where cyberbullying hits hardest.

🚨 What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is the use of digital platforms to embarrass, threaten, isolate, or harm someone.

It includes:

• Name-calling or mockery

• Exclusion from online groups

• Spreading rumours or false stories

• Posting humiliating images or videos

• Hacking accounts or impersonating someone

• Threats or pressure to share explicit content

⚠️ The Rise of Online Blackmail (Sextortion)

One of the most serious forms of cyberbullying is online blackmail. A child is tricked into sharing personal or explicit images, then blackmailed for money or more content.

This is a crime. It’s called sextortion, and it’s growing fast. The fear and shame it causes can have tragic consequences.

Children may feel trapped. Some try to fix it alone, even sending money — terrified anyone finds out.

🧾 What to Do If Your Child Is Targeted

• Reassure them they’ve done nothing wrong

• Stay calm — no blame, no shame

• Save evidence: screenshots, usernames, messages

• Report it to the police via CEOP or Report Harmful Content

• Contact the platform or mobile provider

• Seek support through school, GP, or a mental health service

🔐 Important: In the UK, blackmail is a criminal offence carrying up to 14 years in prison.

📱 Other Online Risks to Watch For

Even without bullying, the digital world poses challenges. Children may:

• Talk to strangers pretending to be someone else

• Encounter disturbing or explicit content

• Share personal information without realising the risk

💡 Most platforms offer parental controls — use them. But remember, many children have private access. Filters help, but open communication helps more.

✅ 7 Ways to Help Beat Cyberbullying

1. Start conversations early — and keep them going

2. Explore the internet together

3. Know who they’re talking to

4. Set rules and boundaries for online use

5. Make sure content is age-appropriate

6. Use tools to filter, restrict or monitor content

7. Teach them how to block, report, and stay private

🤝 Need Help?

If your child is being excluded, harassed, or blackmailed online — don’t wait. Act Against Bullying supports children and families across the UK facing:

• Cyberbullying

• Exclusion bullying

• Online abuse of any kind

We’re here to help — no judgment, just support.