Cyberbullying among Children – Warning Signs and How to Help

“Turn off your phone and it will stop.”
“It’s not real bullying.”
“Don’t pay attention, it will go away.”

Unfortunately, cyberbullying does not just go away. It leaves profound emotional marks on children who experience it. In today’s digital world, where communication carries over from the school yard to mobile screens, the cyberspace has become a new playground – as well as a new battlefield.

While parents and teachers worry about children’s safety in the streets and schools, many forget that dangers lurk behind the screen as well. Hate messages, mockery in groups, sharing photos without permission – this is all part of reality for many young people experiencing cyberbullying on a daily basis.

If you are wondering what cyberbullying actually means, how to recognise it and what to do when your child is being bullied online – this page will provide clear and useful answers to the following questions:

• What is cyberbullying?
• How does it occur and who is affected?
• How to talk to your child?
• How to help when your child is experiencing bullying?
• And what are the most effective ways of protecting your child in the online sphere?

What is cyberbullying and how does it occur?

Cyberbullying (or online bullying) is bullying via digital technologies – telephone, computer, tablet, internet, social media, games, forums. These include:

• offensive messages and comments,
• spreading lies and rumours,
• exclusion from online groups,
• inappropriate sharing of images and videos,
• blackmail, sexual harassment or grooming.

The difference between physical and cyberbullying is that cyberbullying goes on 24/7 – without a break or a safe space.

Who are the most common victims and bullies?

Victims are most commonly children aged between 10 and 17. Girls are more likely to be victims, while boys are more likely to admit to bullying. Bullies may be:

• peers,
• school acquaintances,
• even strangers falsely presenting themselves.

Why do children suffer cyberbullying?

Children often hide the bullying they are experiencing because:

• they are afraid of punishment (being banned from using the phone or internet by their parents),
• they think that what is happening to them is their own fault,
• they believe that no one can help them,
• they are ashamed and worried that no one will take them seriously.

10 questions about cyberbullying frequently asked by parents – and answers that may help them

1. How can I tell the difference between a harmless joke among children and cyberbullying?

Parents often say: “All kids tease one another nowadays, that's normal.” And it is – as long as nobody is hurt.

If the child says that someone is teasing or belittling him/her or that others “joke” at his/her expense, ask:

•  “Does that bother you?”
• “Have you tried telling them to stop?”
• “How did you feel after that?”

If the child feels upset, hurt, isolated, and the behaviour continues despite the requests to stop – this is bullying. And it calls for a response.

In the digital sphere, such behaviour is often seen by many people – even those that are strangers to the child. This is why the consequences may be even more painful.

Parenting tip: Explain to the child that he/she has the right to set boundaries.

2. What are the consequences of cyberbullying to the child’s mental health?

Cyberbullying may impair the child’s self-confidence and trust in the world around him/her. Frequent exposure to negative messages and insults may cause:

• anxiety and depression,
• insomnia, headache, stomach ache,
• loss of interest in things the child used to like,
• reclusiveness and low self-esteem.

Parenting tip: If you notice that your child behaves differently – is sad, irritable, tired or skips school – talk to him/her without judgment.

3. Who can the child go to when he/she experiences cyberbullying?

Teach the child that he/she is not alone and that it is OK to ask for help. Encourage him/her to talk to:

• you as parents,
• a teacher or form teacher,
• the school psychologist,
• or to call the toll-free number 19833 — National Contact Center for Child Safety on the Internet.

Parenting tip: Help the child collect evidence (e.g. screenshots of messages) – this can help in the reporting process. If he/she feels threatened, call the police.

4. My child is afraid to tell me he/she is being bullied – how can I encourage him/her to confide in me?

Sometimes, children don't want you to “worry” or are afraid that you will ban them from using the internet. It is crucial:

• not to get agitated,
• to listen carefully and without interrupting him/her,
• to stress that you are concerned, rather than angry,
• to remind the child that we all make mistakes, but that we also deserve help.

Parenting tip: Find a calm moment – while walking, riding in the car, or before bedtime. Ask questions and let the child talk about it.

5. How can I help my child provide support to a friend who is being bullied, but is afraid to report it?

Teach your child to be there for others. Teach him/her to:

• listen to a friend without judgment,
• offer to seek help from adults together,
• stand with a friend when he/she decides to report bullying.

Parenting tip: Explain to your child that silence is not the solution, but rather prolongs suffering. One person can make a big difference.

6. Should my child stop using the internet if he/she experiences bullying?

Taking occasional breaks from screen time can be useful, but leaving the online sphere entirely is not the solution.

Bullies want victims to withdraw – this gives them power. Instead, teach your child to:

• report bullying, rather than hide it,
• use safety tools (blocking, restricting comments), and
• know that he/she has nothing to be ashamed of.

Parenting tip: Encourage your child to use the internet in positive ways – for learning, creativity and connecting with friends who respect him/her.

7. How can I protect my child’s personal data online?

Education and regular adjustment of privacy settings are the best protection.

Teach your child:

• not to share details such as address, phone number, name of his/her school,
• set the account to “private”,
• use blocking and content reporting functionalities on social media (e.g. Instagram, TikTok).

Parenting tip: Review account settings together with your child and discuss what can be shared and with whom. Anything that is shared online – may stay there forever.

8. Are there any legal consequences of cyberbullying?

Yes. In Serbia, schools are required to respond to all forms of violence. The police and centres for social work are also required to take action in these cases.

Bullying can be addressed under laws against harassment, hate speech, even sexual abuse.

Parenting tip: Teach your child that he/she does not need to be afraid of the “legal battle”. Reporting bullying is about protection, not retaliation.

9. Do tech companies have a responsibility?

Absolutely. Companies that operate social media have the responsibility to protect users, especially children.

Nowadays, most platforms offer:

• tools to restrict contact,
• possibility of reporting offensive content,
• educational guides and tutorials on safe internet use.

Parenting tip: If you encounter a severe violation of the rules, contact the platform's customer support directly. Record all the steps, together with the child.

10. What tools and resources are available for parents and children in the fight against cyberbullying?

In addition to schools’ specialist services, parents and children can access:

• the National Contact Centre at 19833,
• UNICEF’s resources and guides (such as this blog),
• social media security settings,
• free educational programmes in schools and online.

Parenting tip: Be proactive. Talk to your child regularly about what he/she watches, who he/she communicates with and how he/she feels online.

We can stop cyberbullying together

• Talk to your children.
• Teach them to recognise bullying.
• Respond and be there for them – without judgment, with understanding and love.

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