I think my daughter might be getting bullied online. What should I do?
.svg)
We know it can be gut-wrenching to discover that your child is being cyberbullied, but there are steps you can take to help them find support.
1. Alert your child’s school.
If the cyberbullying is coming from school peers, let someone at school (the principal, counselor, teacher, nurse, or administrative staff) know about the situation. Ideally, they can become advocates for your child and take steps to de-escalate cyberbullying. Stay on top of what actions are being taken to resolve the situation. If you have serious concerns about your child’s safety, you may need to contact legal authorities.
2. Report and block ALL online bullies.
Instruct your child or teen to use the reporting and blocking features on all social platforms. By doing so, they not only protect themselves but also help others. Better yet, stay involved in your teen’s social media activities, turning off comments when possible. If that’s not an option, take a moment to review the comments together and block them as needed. Prevention is the best defense.
3. Seek mental health support.
If your child is being impacted by cyberbullying, do not take it lightly. A mental health professional can help your family navigate the situation and provide necessary support along the way.
For further info check out Digital Parenthood's Cyberbullying resources.
Other questions
My son told me that his best friend's family has an “internet agreement” - What is that? Should I have one?
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
Family device and internet agreements are great mechanisms for getting on the same page with your child before allowing them to use the internet or get their own phone.
My teenage son is withdrawing from real life and spends all his time online. Should I be worried?
The teenage years can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and while some behavioral changes are completely normal, it’s important to recognize when your teen is isolating and experiencing changes in behavior or mood due.
My child was exposed to some inappropriate content on Roblox. I feel awful and don’t know what they saw. What should I do?
Unfortunately, you can't guarantee that your children won't see inappropriate content online — accidentally or intentionally. Start by talking to your child about what they saw. Provide a safe space. Many children keep problems secret from their parents because they fear they might get in trouble.
What are your top 3 tips for parents who are dealing with cyberbullying?
We know it can be gut-wrenching to discover that your child is being cyberbullied, but there are steps you can take to help them find support.
How can a parent tell if their kid is being cyberbullied?
No two kids are alike, so know that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all list of warning signs that a child may be experiencing cyberbullying.
I’ve read lots of information about the impact of cyberbullying on children. But what if my child is the one doing the cyberbullying? What are the telltale signs?
Often, the warning signs of cyberbullying are the same, or similar, whether the child is the victim or the bully.
Related Articles
You ask. We answer!
The online world is full of questions—and we’re here to help answer them. Submit a question here, and we’ll publish it (anonymously), with expert answers, tips, and insights. We'll also email you when your answer is available. While every family is different, your question could be a top concern for other parents. Understanding is a click away.
We aim to answer you as quickly as possible, typically within five business days. We’ll also email you a copy of the answer in addition to a link where you can view.
Our responses to your questions are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it.
