Solutions

(Beyond Blue, 2015)

How to help a child being cyber bullied

• Encourage open communication with kids and teenagers about the internet to let you know if they feel bullied or intimated.

• Empower them to know there is help and ways in which they can protect themselves.

• An example of empowerment is to block the bully and change privacy settings.

• Learn about and download the Cybersaftey Help Button here.

• If someone has posted anything inappropriate about your child online, contact the social media service provider to remove it.

• Collect evidence; screenshots of incriminating messages, images, conversations and print emails.

• Report cyberbullying to your child's school or if warranted, the local police.

• Be informed and educate yourself about popular games, apps and social networking sites for young people at the Office of Childrens eSafety Commissioner site. (Australian Government; Office of the Childrens eSafety Commissioner, 2015)

(StopBullying.gov, 2015)

Where to get help

Online information

• Children's eSafety Commissioner - 1800 880 176

Report an incident of cyberbullying or related event

• ThinkUKnow - Youth website
• Crimestoppers - 1800 333 000
• Local police station
• ACORN - Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network

Emotional support and advice

• Headspace
• Kids Help Line - 1800 551 800
• Lifeline - 13 11 14
• Reachout

(Australian Government; Office of the Childrens eSafety Commissioner, 2015)