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How Parents Can Support Children Experiencing Cyberbullying
A structured overview of what credible sources and parent perspectives commonly say about this topic.
Quick answer
Cyberbullying involves using digital platforms to harass or intimidate a child. Parents should maintain open dialogue, set clear rules about online behavior, use parental controls, and report bullying to platform providers or schools. Options for support include counseling services, school intervention programs, and resources like the AAP’s Family Media Use Plan and Child Mind Institute’s guidance on cyberbullying.
At a glance
Things to try now
What to do now
- 11. Talk calmly with your child about what is happening and reassure them they are not alone.
- 22. Save evidence of the cyberbullying (screenshots, messages) for reporting purposes.
- 33. Report the bullying to the online platform and school if applicable.
What to say
- “I'm here to listen whenever you want to talk about what’s happening online.”
- “Remember, you don’t have to face this alone — we will work together to keep you safe.”
- “It’s important to tell me or another trusted adult if something online makes you uncomfortable.”
What to practice consistently
- Establish regular check-ins about your child's online activities and feelings.
- Create and maintain a Family Media Use Plan with clear expectations and consequences.
- Teach and model digital citizenship, including kindness and privacy awareness.
What to avoid
- Ignoring or minimizing the child’s experience of cyberbullying.
- Responding with anger or punishment directed at the child.
- Allowing unrestricted or unsupervised access to digital devices.
These are common approaches mentioned in sources and by parents. They are informational, not prescriptive.
What this usually involves
- Recognizing cyberbullying as repeated harmful behavior through digital means such as texts, social media, or gaming chats
- Teaching digital citizenship: kindness online, thinking before posting, and privacy awareness
- Establishing a Family Media Use Plan with clear rules about device use, content, and consequences
- Monitoring and supervising online activity with parental controls and periodic content reviews
- Encouraging children to report uncomfortable online experiences to trusted adults immediately
- Collaborating with schools or online platforms to report and address bullying incidents
Related questions
Parents can teach digital citizenship by discussing privacy, kindness, and the permanence of online posts, setting clear rules, and modeling responsible behavior.
Resources include school counselors, mental health professionals, online platform reporting tools, and organizations like the Child Mind Institute and AAP.
If the child shows signs of depression, anxiety, self-harm, or school refusal related to bullying, consulting a pediatrician or mental health provider is advised.
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From around the web
Cyberbullying: What It Is and How to Help
Provides detailed guidance on recognizing and addressing cyberbullying.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Preventing Bullying
Offers research and prevention strategies related to bullying and cyberbullying.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Talking to Kids About Cyberbullying
Advice on how parents can discuss cyberbullying with children and support them.
Child Mind Institute
Family Media Use Plan
Tools and tips for families to create a balanced and safe media use plan.
American Academy of Pediatrics