Protecting our children from cyberbullying

Protecting our (increasingly younger) children from cyberbullying

The internet has given children and young people new opportunities to learn, play and socialise. However, this increased online presence, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic, also exposes them to new harms and risks. 

Concerningly, reports to eSafety’s cyberbullying complaints team show younger children are increasingly experiencing negative online behaviour. Reports of serious cyberbullying of children between the ages of eight and 13 years has more than tripled compared to pre-pandemic 2019 – jumping from a little over 200 complaints in 2019 to almost 740 in 2022. 

Please take a few minutes to learn more about cyberbullying – what it is, ways to protect your child, and how to get help if your child experiences it. 

Tools and resources to safeguard children from cyberbullying

eSafety is here to help with advice and resources to help you support your family’s online safety. 

• Set up a family tech agreement and parental controls 
• Explore ways to stay safe online for parents, kids and young people  
• Learn digital skills for staying safe in games and apps using The eSafety Guide 
• Get help for online issues by reporting to eSafety 
• Join an eSafety webinar to help your children have positive online experiences
• Download online safety resources, including this guide to reporting cyberbullying.