Cyberbullying Advice for Parents
Helping children stay safe online. Understand the risks, recognise the warning signs and know what to do when something goes wrong.
For children and teenagers, the internet is part of everyday life. It's where they learn, play games, share experiences and stay connected with friends.
But online spaces can also expose children to bullying, harassment, threats and exploitation. Parents don't need to understand every new app to make a difference. Listening, staying involved and responding calmly can help children feel safe enough to ask for help.
Understanding Online Risks
What Is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying involves using digital technology to intimidate, humiliate, threaten or deliberately hurt someone.
It may include:
- Abusive messages or name-calling
- Spreading rumours or false information
- Deliberately excluding someone from online groups
- Sharing humiliating images or videos
- Impersonation or misuse of accounts
- Repeated harassment or threats
Where Can It Happen?
Cyberbullying can occur through messaging services, social media, online games, group chats and other digital platforms.
Children may use WhatsApp, Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, Discord, Roblox or other services. Platforms change quickly, but the need for friendship, belonging and acceptance remains the same.
Warning Signs to Notice
Possible signs that something is wrong include:
- Becoming upset after using a device
- Suddenly avoiding social media or gaming
- Withdrawing from friends or activities
- Changes in sleep, mood or confidence
- Being unusually secretive or anxious about messages
These signs do not necessarily mean bullying is happening, but they are worth exploring gently.
Other Online Safety Concerns
Children may also encounter inappropriate content, scams, privacy risks, unwanted contact or people pretending to be someone else.
Age-appropriate settings, privacy controls and regular conversations can reduce risks. Technology alone cannot replace a trusting relationship.
How Parents Can Help
1. Talk and Listen
Ask your child about their online experiences, favourite games, apps and friendships.
Make these conversations part of everyday life rather than waiting for a problem. Listen without immediately judging or blaming them.
2. Explore the Online World Together
Play a game together, explore an app or watch something your child enjoys.
Understanding what interests them makes it easier to discuss risks and agree on sensible boundaries.
3. Agree on Safety Rules
Talk about protecting personal information, keeping passwords secure, recognising suspicious requests and deciding who can contact them.
Review privacy settings and parental controls together, taking account of your child's age and maturity.
4. Teach Blocking and Reporting
Show your child how to block unwanted contacts, report abusive behaviour and preserve evidence.
Explain that asking for help is always an option, even if they have already replied to someone or shared something they regret.
If Your Child Is Being Cyberbullied
Respond Calmly and Take Action
Start by reassuring your child that they deserve support and will not be blamed for telling you.
- Listen carefully and establish whether they are safe.
- Keep relevant messages, usernames, dates and screenshots where appropriate.
- Use the platform's reporting and blocking features.
- Contact the school if other pupils are involved or the situation affects your child's school life.
- Seek additional support if the bullying is affecting their wellbeing.
- Report threats, blackmail or suspected criminal behaviour to the police.
Online Blackmail and Sextortion
What Parents Need to Know
Sextortion is a form of blackmail in which someone threatens to share intimate images or information unless the victim pays money, sends more images or meets other demands.
Young people may feel frightened, ashamed or unable to tell anyone. Offenders often deliberately exploit these feelings.
Make it clear that your child can tell you anything without being blamed.
What to Do Immediately
- Reassure your child and take the threat seriously.
- Do not pay or comply with demands.
- Preserve threatening messages and account details, but do not download, forward or share sexual images of a child.
- Report the account to the platform.
- Contact the police or report suspected online child sexual abuse to CEOP.
Seven Everyday Ways to Improve Online Safety
Build Good Habits
- Start conversations about online life early.
- Stay interested in the apps and games your child uses.
- Encourage healthy friendships and respectful behaviour online.
- Agree on sensible rules and boundaries.
Make Safety Practical
- Check privacy and age-appropriate settings.
- Show children how to block and report unwanted contact.
- Remind them they can always ask for help, even after making a mistake.
Further Advice and Support
If your child is experiencing cyberbullying, exclusion, threats or online abuse, help is available. You do not have to manage the situation alone.
Children and young people can contact Childline free on 0800 1111. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.