Cyberbullying has become increasingly common
Wherever there are kids and devices and an internet connection, the risk of harm from cyberbullying poses a clear and present danger to our children’s wellbeing.
But the good news is there’s so much we can do to keep them safe - to minimise the fallout from online cruelty, encourage compassion and responsibility, and put appropriate boundaries around their online activity.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying isn’t just “kids being kids.” It’s a form of serious online victimisation that can drive children to self-harm and even suicide - as a growing number of tragedies in Australia and around the world attest.
All bullying is about power - and using power in various ways to cause psychological and/or physical harm. Cyberbullying is no exception.
You can tell if something qualifies as cyberbullying by considering these three questions:
- Does the incident involve the misuse of power in a relationship?
- Is it ongoing and repeated?
- Can it cause harm?
How Family Zone can help
Family Zone can help keep your children safe from cyberbullying. How?
Restrict social media
Use Family Zone to restrict social media access, or block it entirely.
Enforce sleep-time rules
Age-appropriate sleep-time settings that shut off the internet during the hours kids are most vulnerable to abuse (10 pm - 2 am).
Block pornography
Family Zone’s strong internet filters keep sexually explicit material off your child’s device.
Get cyber expert advice
Our unique cyber expert program gives parents access to advice and insight from leading specialists in child and teen development.