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In the past, children were bullied in the playground at school. Now the type of bullying they face is much more difficult to identify and stop. If we want to keep our children safe from cyberbullying, we need to understand some of the dangers.

What is cyberbullying

This type of bullying involves the use of technology to threaten, target, or embarrass children. The bully has a wide audience and abusive images, messages or videos are easily shared.

Children who are being cyberbullied are exposed to it 24 hours a day and may feel that they have no escape. As long as they have access to a phone, computer, or another device, they are at risk.

How does cyberbullying happen?

Technological devices are indispensable to our children today – they use them for so many different purposes, including staying in touch with friends.  Mobile phones allow the convenience for parents of staying in contact with children but they also provide an open door for bullying in the form of abusive calls, texts, video clips or emails.

A webcam used innocently for viewing friends may used to film inappropriate acts for the purpose of bullying. Social networking sites like Instagram and Facebook make cyberbullying easy – personal information is freely posted; leaving children wide open for abusive responses that can have a devastating effect.

Instant messaging helps children to have ‘real-time’ conversations with friends but it also provides an opportunity for abuse. Even participating in a chat room, forum or in online gaming provides opportunities for bullies to use intimidation.

On video hosting sites, an offensive video may be uploaded and go viral. This is what happened to Shelley, a 16-year-old who woke up one day to find that she was the star of a video taken without her knowledge after her drink was spiked at a party.

Identity theft is also possible, with profiles being created for the sole purpose of bullying. Jessie, a 15-year-old, was targeted in this way by a classmate. This girl took photos of Jessie, created a profile with all her personal information, and began making posts in her name. When Jessie found out about it sometime later, the damage was already done. She had to move to another school.

Signs that a child is being cyberbullied

Children who are being bullied often feel ashamed and embarrassed. They may not tell parents for this reason or for fear that their mobile phones or computers will be taken away. When children are being bullied they often show changes in mood.