Cyberbullying | du™

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that can have devastating effects on a child's mental and emotional well-being.

Here are some tips to help protect children from cyberbullying:

Have an open and honest conversation with your child about what cyberbullying is and how it can affect them. Encourage them to come to you or a trusted adult if they ever feel uncomfortable or threatened online.

Establish clear rules and boundaries for your child's online activity. For example, limit their screen time, monitor their online activity, and encourage them to only communicate with people they know in real life. Encourage them to block or report anyone who is being mean or hurtful.

Help your child understand the importance of protecting their personal information online, such as their name, address, and phone number. Encourage them to never share this information with strangers online.

Teach your child to treat others with kindness and respect online, just as they would in person. Remind them that their words can have a powerful impact on others, and encourage them to think before they post or send a message.

If your child is being cyberbullied, it's important to seek help from a trusted adult or a professional. There are many resources available to help children and families deal with cyberbullying, such as school counsellors, therapists, and support groups.

Remember, cyberbullying can have fatal consequences for children, and it's important to take it seriously. By following these tips and guidance, you can help protect your child from cyberbullying and empower them to make more positive decisions online and help maintain their mental well-being too.

Children who are cyberbullied may become emotionally distressed, anxious, depressed, or irritable. They may also become withdrawn and avoid social situations.

Children who are cyberbullied may show changes in behaviour, such as becoming more aggressive, defiant, or isolating themselves from their family and friends.

Children who are cyberbullied may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.

Children who are cyberbullied may avoid using technology, such as computers or mobile devices, or might be more secretive about their online activity.

Children who are cyberbullied may have a decline in their academic performance. They may have difficulty focusing on schoolwork, may miss school frequently, or may drop out of extracurricular activities.

If you notice any of these signs in your child, it's important to talk to them about what's going on and offer your support. You can also consider reaching out to their school, a counsellor, or a mental health professional for additional help and support.

Children should be cautious about what they share online, including personal information, photos, and videos. They should avoid sharing anything that could be used to identify or embarrass them.

Children should not respond to bullying messages, as this can encourage the bully to continue the behaviour. Instead, they should save the messages as evidence and report the incident to a trusted adult.

Children should report any incidents of cyberbullying to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or school counsellor. They can also use online reporting tools, such as the eCrime platform in the UAE, to report incidents of cyberbullying.

Children should be selective about who they connect with online and should only accept friend requests from people they know and trust in real life.

Children should take breaks from technology, especially if they are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Spending time offline, engaging in physical activity or hobbies, and connecting with friends and family in person can help reduce the risk of cyberbullying and promote overall well-being.

By following these tips, children can help protect themselves from cyberbullying and enjoy a safer and more positive online experience.

This is a global organisation that provides resources and support for children and families around the world. They offer a range of resources on cyberbullying, including articles, videos, and infographics. URL: https://www.unicef.org/end-violence/how-to-stop-cyberbullying

This is a UAE-based organisation that provides training and awareness sessions on the subject of cyberbullying prevention and digital well-being. They offer virtual 1 to 1 family coaching, educational resources, and training for students, parents and educators. URL: https://www.beatthecyberbully.ae/

This is a UAE Government based resource that aims to promote safe and responsible use of the internet and social media. They provide information and resources on cyber-safety, including tips for parents and children on how to stay safe online. URL: https://www.esafe.ae/

In cooperation with UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and the Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi, the SCMC launched a guide for parents on anti-bullying. This guide will help parents identify if their child is a victim of bullying, or they are bullying others and what can be done to stop it. URL: https://u.ae/-/media/Information-and-services/Justice-safety-and-the-law/Guide-for-parents-on-anti-bullying.ashx

This is a great resource for information on cyberbullying, including research, statistics, and prevention strategies. They also offer resources for parents, educators, and youth. URL: https://cyberbullying.org/

These resources offer a wealth of information and support for anyone dealing with cyberbullying.