Caves Beach Public School

A caring, supportive school promoting high academic standards.

Telephone02 4971 1838

Emailcavesbeach-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can have negative academic, social and psychological outcomes, so providing support for our young children who may become involved in cyberbullying is critical.

For today's youth, their online life can be an important part of their social identity. Many children who are using social networks for their social identity may fear that parents might disconnect them from the internet and therefore their supportive friends as a "solution" to cyberbullying. This prevents children from reporting cyberbullying issues. Some children are also concerned that parents will make cyberbullying issues worse.

To help children deal with cyberbullying issues:

  • Talk to your child about cyberbullying before it happens.
  • Encourage your child to tell you or another trusted adult if they receive or hear negative messages, or are excluded by others.
  • Advise your child not to respond to any negative messages but to save the messages and details of the sender.
  • You can help your child report any concerns to the administrator of the service used, including the mobile phone provider (if SMS is involved), website administrator(if social networking or chat services are involved) or internet service provider.
  • Understand your school's policy about cyberbullying -  do they have a policy and what is the likely outcome of a complaint about cyberbullying if another student is involved.
  • Encourage your child to support their friends and report concerns about friends who may be involved in cyberbullying.
  • Advise your child NEVER to share their passwords with friends for any reason.
  • If your child has been involved in cyberbullying and seems distressed or shows changes in behaviour or mood it may be advisable to seek professional support, including through the Cybersmart Online Helpline at www.cybersmart.gov.au/report/aspx.
  • The Cybersmart Online Helpline provides free, confidential online counselling for children and young people. Your child's school may also be able to provide support and guidance.
  • If there is a threat to your child's safety the police can help. In life-threatening and time-critical situations call 000.

Parents, please remember that social networking sites such as Facebook do have age restrictions. Children under thirteen (13) are not permitted to join.

As well, never allow televisions, computers or mobile phones in your child's bedroom. Your child's bedroom is his/her safe haven. Mobile phones should leave your child's bedroom after 7pm, and be located well away from your child for the night.