For many children and teens, the online world is a place to learn, connect with friends, explore interests and express themselves. While these experiences can be positive, there are times when young people may encounter challenges such as cyberbullying.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying can include sending hurtful messages or comments, excluding someone from an online group, creating fake profiles intended to mislead, or sharing photos, videos, or AI-generated content of someone without their consent.

It can happen through social media, messaging apps, online games, or other digital platforms, and may leave children and young people feeling isolated, anxious or unsafe.

Signs your child may be experiencing cyberbullying

Every child responds differently, but changes in mood, sleep, friendships, school attendance, eating habits, becoming upset after using devices, or becoming secretive about what they do online may indicate something is wrong. If you notice sudden changes in behaviour, start a calm conversation and let your child know they can talk to you.

What do I do if my child is being cyberbullied?

Listening, staying calm and helping them explore their options can make a significant difference.

• Create a safe space for emotional vulnerability: Young people need to feel safe when sharing their feelings. By actively listening rather than offering an immediate solutions, you can create a space where they feel comfortable opening up.
• Encourage your child not to respond, as it can escalate the situation.
• Explore the issue together: By working together to unpack and identify how they are feeling, you can have a better understanding, not only of the situation, but also how it may be impact them.
• Explain their options: Whether it’s blocking accounts, reporting it to their school, or taking a break from online activity – give them the opportunity to consider the options then together, you can make an informed decision. You may offer to collect evidence for them, as it may be upsetting to revisit the digital attacks. Mental health services like counselling can also be useful. However, if a physical attack has been carried out and shared online, contact the police.
• Help them stay connected: Removing their device may cut them off from friends and support networks at a time when they need connection and support.

Reporting the cyberbullying

When reporting cyberbullying, you can collect evidence by taking screenshots or screen recordings and keeping it stored on your device. Include the date, time, and details of the account involved. However, do not save any inappropriate images of the people involved, as this is illegal; instead, record the URL only.

Cyberbullying can be reported online via the original platform or through the eSafety Commissioner website www.esafety.gov.au/report. If serious cyberbullying content is not removed by the platform, the eSafety Commissioner may be able to assist in having harmful content taken down.

If the cyberbullying involves other students, your child’s school may also be able to provide support through teachers, wellbeing staff, school counsellors or existing anti-bullying policies.

Resources

There are a range of resources to help parents and carers understand cyberbullying, support their child and explore available support options. If English is not your first language, translated resources are also available.

• Cyberbullying: What Parents Need to Know: Download our guide, available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, Khmer, and Dari.
• eSafety Commissioner’s Family Online Safety in More Languages: Access translated online safety information and resources for parents and carers.
• Kids Helpline’s support guide for parents supporting a child or teen through bullying and cyberbullying: Find practical advice on supporting children and teens experiencing cyberbullying.

Support for your child and family

Cyberbullying can be challenging and feel isolating, for both young people and the adults who care for them. Reaching out for support can help your child feel safer and more connected, while also giving you the information and guidance you need to respond with confidence.

Support for children and young people

Every child responds differently, and there is no right or wrong time to seek support. Reassure your child that asking for help is not “telling on someone” or causing trouble.

• Friends, family and trusted adults: Encourage your child to talk to someone they trust. Staying connected to supportive people can help them feel less alone and provide emotional support during difficult times.
• Fair Foundations Youth Drop-In Service and Youth and Family Specialist: Offers a safe and inclusive environment for young people aged 12 to 24, with friendly Youth and Family Specialists available to provide support, help them navigate challenges, build resilience and connect with the right services.
• Counsellor, psychologist or school wellbeing support: Professional support can help children and young people process their experiences and develop healthy coping strategies. Support may also be available through your child’s school counsellor, wellbeing team or student support services.
• Kids Helpline and headspace: Free services offering information, counselling and wellbeing support for children and young people.

Support for parents and carers

• Parent Support Hub: Fair Foundations’ Parent Support Hub provides free support to help parents and carers understand their child’s developmental needs, manage challenging behaviours, and connect with local services and programs.
• Fair Foundations Youth and Family Specialist: our team can offer guidance and support for families, helping parents and carers navigate challenges and connect with the right services.

Sometimes knowing where to start is the hardest part. If you’d like to speak with someone about supporting your child, we’re here to help.