SchoolTV – Cyberbullying

With the advent of the internet, smart phones and tablets, there is now a whole new digital dimension added to traditional schoolyard bullying. There was once a time when bullying victims were given some respite outside of school hours, but sadly these days, online bullying can occur 24/7. In today’s world, teaching your child about online and cyber safety, is a critically important skill!

Cyberbullying can be identified as being the repeated behaviour by an aggressor with the intent to harm or embarrass. Technology enables these aggressors to share information widely and quickly, making this form of bullying extremely dangerous and harmful. However, the answer is not to shun the internet or social media completely. Instead, parents are encouraged to be realistic and instil a family internet policy to protect their children whilst providing, in an age-appropriate way, opportunities to learn, explore and communicate online.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents are provided with useful guidelines and advice on how to minimise the risks. Children have the right to feel safe, regardless of whether it is in the schoolyard or online.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Cyberbullying edition of SchoolTV, where you can hear from experts such as Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, who sits on the Board of the National Centre Against Bullying; Susan McLean from Cyber Safety Solutions; and Lesley Podesta from the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.

For further information and resources on on how to support your child if you think they are being cyberbullied, please see the e-safety website: Cyberbullying | Guide for Parents and Carers eSafety Commissioner

Finding out your child is engaging in bullying can also be a distressing time for families. If you have found out your child has been engaging in bullying, please consider reading this guide for parents from the Emerging Minds website: Finding out your child is experiencing or engaging in bullying – Emerging Minds

Philippa Gibson
SCEGGS School Counsellor