Signs Your Child May Be Experiencing Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can happen to anyone at any time, and is especially prevalent among young people (affecting around 1 in 5 young people in the UK). Many young people deal with cyberbullying in silence. They may feel ashamed, fear they’ll lose device privileges, or worry that intervention from loved ones might make things worse. That’s why trying to spot the signs early is so important.
Changes in Device Usage
One potential indicator of cyberbullying lies in how your child interacts with their phone, tablet, gaming console, or computer. It’s not always immediately obvious, but you might notice they become visibly upset, anxious, withdrawn, or uncomfortable during or after using the device. They might become secretive about their online activity, angling screens away from your view, or quickly switching apps when you enter the room. Some children might instead completely withdraw from device usage or seem reluctant to check their messages.
Emotional and Behavioral Shifts
Bullying takes a significant emotional toll on individuals, so it’s no wonder that children may exhibit unexplained changes in mood. Watch out for increased irritability, anxiety, or sadness that seems to coincide with time spent online. If your child stops mentioning friends they once talked about constantly, or seems generally evasive when you ask about their social activity or day, they could be experiencing peer conflict that has moved online. It’s worth noting that of all cyberbullying cases reported to The Cyber Helpline, most individuals say an ex-romantic partner is the cyberbully.
Abnormal changes in sleep pattern or eating habits can also sometimes be attributed to cyberbullying. If your child is staying up unusually late, seems overtired despite adequate time to sleep, or experiences nightmares, it could be a cause for concern.
School and Social Withdrawal
If your child’s grades are sharply declining, or they are expressing reluctance to attend school, this could hint towards bullying. They might also be making excuses to avoid extracurricular activities they once loved.
What to Do if you Think your Child is Being Bullied
Every case of cyberbullying is unique, and children who are being bullied can display a range of emotional, physical, and behavioural signs. If you notice any unusual signs at home and suspect cyberbullying is the cause, create space to have an open conversation about this with care and compassion. There are plenty of organisations that can help and resources available to help you approach the subject.