eSmart

A Guide to Online Bullying for Parents and Carers

We have a strong cyber safety program at Vermont Primary School, which empowers our students to recognise and report incidents of cyber bullying. It also goes a long way towards preventing these behaviours. However, it is important to continue this work both at school and at home, where most cyberbullying occurs.

Cyberbullying is when someone uses online content or communication to seriously humiliate, seriously harass, seriously intimidate or seriously threaten another person.

It can take many forms including sending abusive messages, hurtful images or videos, nasty online gossip, excluding or humiliating others, or creating fake accounts in someone’s name to trick or humiliate them. 

T

his form of bullying is particularly harmful as it can follow the person home, a traditionally safe space.  Children experiencing cyberbullying are often reluctant to disclose it to their parents as they are fearful they will lose their devices. 

The Office of eSafety have further advice for parents below:

• I think my child is being bullied
• What to do if your child is being cyberbullied
• Advice for different age groups 

There are also a number of helpful videos on the topic for parents to access.