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FAQs

What should I do if I discover that my child is being cyberbullied?

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Discovering that your child is being cyberbullied can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. At BeSmartOnline, we are here to guide parents through this challenging situation with practical advice and support.

 

Recognise the Signs

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Cyberbullying can take many forms, including hurtful messages, exclusion, spreading rumours, impersonation, or fake accounts. Common signs include changes in your child’s behaviour, reluctance to use devices, anxiety, or withdrawal from social activities.

 

Listen and Support

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Create a safe and open environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their experiences. Reassure them that they are not to blame and that help is available to address the issue.

Reporting Fake Accounts and Bullying

If your child encounters fake accounts or abusive behaviour online, it is important to report these to the respective social media platforms immediately. BeSmartOnline offers guidance and support for online interventions, helping parents navigate the process of reporting to platforms effectively to ensure swift action.

 

School Support

 

Public schools have access to the Anti-Bullying department, which can provide assistance to tackle bullying within the school environment. Parents are encouraged to reach out to school authorities to involve these resources and ensure your child’s safety at school.

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When to Reach Out to BeSmartOnline

 

If the situation becomes difficult to manage or you need personalized guidance, you can reach out to BeSmartOnline for support anytime. You can contact us by calling 179 or through our BeSmartOnline page.

When contacting us, it’s helpful to have the following information ready:

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  • Evidence of the bullying, such as screenshots or saved messages

  • Links to fake accounts, abusive pages, or profiles involved

  • Usernames or links of the person targeting your child

  • Links to chat groups or forums where bullying occurred, including screenshots

  • Any other relevant details that can assist in addressing the issue

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Providing these details allows us to give targeted advice and assist you more effectively with reporting and interventions on online platforms.

 

Document the Bullying

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Keep a record of all bullying incidents by saving messages, screenshots, or any online evidence. This documentation can be crucial when reporting the situation to schools, platforms, or authorities.

 

Teach Online Safety

 

Empower your child by teaching them how to manage their online presence: blocking offenders, securing privacy settings, and being cautious with personal information sharing.

 

Seek Professional Help

 

If bullying affects your child’s emotional well-being, consider seeking support from mental health professionals or counsellors.

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BeSmartOnline is committed to helping families navigate cyberbullying with knowledge, tools, and direct support for reporting and interventions. Together, we can create safer online spaces for children and teens.

Common questions parents ask about sexting

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1. Why would my child sext?

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Finding out that your child or teen is sexting can be upsetting and confusing. Kids and teens may sext for a variety of reasons, and it doesn’t mean there’s something ‘wrong’ with your child. It often reflects normal developmental challenges mixed with social pressures.

 

Here are the most common reasons:

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  • Curiosity and exploration: children, especially preteens and teens, are curious about bodies, relationships, and sexuality. Sexting can feel like a private way to explore that curiosity, even though they may not fully understand the risks.

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  • Peer pressure or Social Expectations: friends or partners may pressure them into sending nude photos or videos. This may be subtle with the other person suggesting that:

    • Everyone does it

    • They might lose the relationship if they do not participate

    • Used as a way to prove affection or maturity

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  • Desire for attention or validation: adolescents often seek reassurance that they are attractive or desirable. Sexting can be their way to get validation, especially if their self-esteem is fragile.

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  • Impulsivity and underdeveloped judgment: Teens' brains are still developing, particularly the parts responsible for long-term thinking and impulse control. They often understand risks intellectually but struggle to apply that understanding in emotional or high-pressure moments.

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  • Trust in the recipient: They may believe that the person they are talking to would never share the photo or video. Teens often have a strong sense of loyalty and underestimate the possibility of betrayal.

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  • Relationship pressure: if they are in a romantic relationship or situationship, sexting might feel like a normal part of connection, especially if their peers normalise it.

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  • Grooming or manipulation: It’s important to consider the possibility, without assuming, whether an adult or older teen might be coercing or manipulating them. Kids are often targeted by people who play with their emotions.

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2. What can I do as a parent?

 

  • Stay calm and open: if you react with anger or panic, your child is less likely to tell you the truth or come to you again when something is wrong.

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  • Ask curious, non-judgmental, open-ended questions. ​

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  • Talk about the risks without moralizing: Focus on the real risks of images and videos spreading quickly. In your conversation also make sure to emphasise that everyone deserves to have their privacy respected, and it's crucial to understand that others may try to manipulate or pressure them to achieve their own desires. Open conversations about these risks will foster a safe environment for your child to speak to you about their doubts and troubles.

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  • Reinforce that they are not ‘bad.’ Kids make mistakes. What matters most is helping them learn and stay safe.

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  • If there is any sign of an adult being involved, address it immediately! You may need to involve child-safety professionals, or the police depending on the situation. Remember there is help available 24/7 on Supportline 179. 

 

3. How do I talk to my child about sexting without freaking them out?

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  • Regulate your emotions first:

    • Breath

    • Write down what you want to say

    • Remind yourself this conversation is about safety, not punishment.

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  • Pick the right moment: Avoid calling them out in the middle of a conflict, in public, or when they are already stressed. Choose somewhere private, calm, and low-pressure, such as while driving, walking, or doing something side by side.

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  • Start gently and without accusation, lead with support, not confrontation:

    • There is something I want to talk about, and you are not in trouble. I just want us to be able to talk openly.

    • I care about your safety more than anything, and I want to understand what happened.

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  • Ask open-ended, not judgmental questions. Remember you are trying to learn why it happened, not shame them!

    • Can you tell me how you were feeling when this happened?

    • Did you feel pressured or unsure about what to do?

    • What did you hope would happen?

    • How did you feel after?

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  • Avoid questions like:

    • Why would you do something like that?

    • Do you know how stupid and dangerous that was?

 

  • Normalise their feelings, not their behaviour: You can acknowledge their emotions without approving the way that they behaved. 

    • It makes sense that you wanted to feel connected or accepted.

    • A lot of teens feel curious or pressured- you are not alone.

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  • Explain the risks calmly and factually:

    • Sometimes people share photos and videos even if they promised they wouldn’t.

    • Once an image is sent, you will lose control over it.

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  • Reassure them that they are not in trouble and that they are supported: Kids often expect anger. Reassure them you are still on their team and you are there to support them. 

    • You are not bad; you made a bad decision under pressure. We can talk about how to handle it next time.

    • I’m here to help you stay safe, not to punish you.

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  • Collaborate on a plan:

    • What do you think would help you to feel you can talk to me before making similar decisions in the future?

    • If you are ever in a situation like this again, how can I support you?

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  • Leave the door open for future conversations:

    • You can always come to me. Even if it feels awkward, I won’t freak out.

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4. What does the Maltese Law say about sexting between minors?

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The Maltese law specifically talks about indecent material involving minors in Article 208A. According to this law​​, producing, distributing, transmitting, importing, showing, or making available any indecent material depicting a person under the age of 18 is an offence.

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Penalties:

  • Imprisonment from 12 months to 5 years, for producing/distributing such material.

  • ​Aggravated cases may carry imprisonment from 2 to 8 years.​

  • Possession (i.e., simply having access to such material) of indecent images of a minor also constitutes an offence, the penalty can be up to 3 years. 

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Therefore, any sexting involving minors (i.e. minors sending/receiving sexual images) — even if consensual between minors — can fall under these provisions. Courts have consistently treated possession or dissemination of indecent material involving children as serious offences.

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What should I do if my child is asking for their first phone? 

 

Many Maltese parents face the important question: When is the right time to give their child their first phone? Phones offer valuable ways to stay connected and learn but also bring risks that require careful thought about readiness, responsibility, and online safety tailored to your family.

 

Is Your Child Ready?

 

Before buying a phone, consider your child’s maturity and responsibility level. Think about:

  • How will they use the phone: calls, messaging, internet, or social media?

  • Do they follow rules and respect boundaries well?

  • Are they careful with their belongings?

  • Do they understand the responsibilities and risks that come with owning a phone?

While children may want phones to stay connected with friends or to feel grown-up, readiness varies significantly for each child.

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What Type of Phone?

 

Many parents in Malta start with a basic phone that allows calls and texting only, minimizing internet-related risks. Others choose a smartphone but use parental controls to restrict app access and screen time.

Prepaid options are flexible and budget-friendly, which can help ease into phone ownership without long-term contracts.

 

Setting Rules and Encouraging Responsibility

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Providing a phone is an opportunity to teach responsibility. Agree together on rules such as:

  • Which apps and websites are allowed

  • Screen time limits and phone use during family time or school hours

  • How to keep personal information private

 

Creating a family contract with agreed consequences for not following rules can help reinforce good habits. Also, considering keeping phones out of bedrooms at night encourages better sleep.

 

Safety and Parental Controls

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Take advantage of parental controls available on most devices and apps to help manage your child’s phone use and protect them from inappropriate content.

Be alert for signs of cyberbullying, excessive screen time, or distress related to online activities. Open communication helps children feel safe sharing their experiences.

 

Social Media Age Restrictions

 

Most major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, set their minimum age requirement at 13 in line with international standards such as COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act).

This means children under 13 are not allowed to create accounts or use these platforms, and parents should be aware of this when considering their child's phone use.

 

Guiding children to use age-appropriate apps and platforms and monitoring their online behavior is key to supporting their safety and wellbeing.

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Be a Role Model

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Show by example how to balance device use with real-world interaction. Limiting your own screen time during family activities supports children learning healthy habits.

How do I encourage my child to take healthy digital breaks? 

 

Encouraging healthy digital breaks works best when it feels supportive not like a punishment.

 

  1.  Model the behaviour you want to see: Children notice what we do more than what we say. Take your own breaks, put phones away during meals, and talk aloud about why you’re unplugging (“My eyes need a rest”). 

  2. Make breaks predictable, not reactive: Instead of saying “get off the screen now,” set clear routines: 

    • Time-based: 20–30 minutes on, then a short break 

    • Event-based: screen time after homework, break before dinner 

      Predictability reduces power struggles. 

  3. Offer appealing alternatives: Breaks work better when there’s something enjoyable to switch to: 

    • Quick movement:  jumping jacks or a bike ride

    • Creative play: drawing, Lego, music 

    • Calm options: reading, puzzles, stretching

    • You can frame it as a “reset” rather than a break. 

  4. Use tech to manage tech: Built-in tools can help without constant reminders: 

    • Timers or screen-time apps 

    • Blue-light filters or device “downtime” modes 

    • Let your child help set these so they feel involved, not controlled. 

  5. Connect breaks to how their body feels: Help them notice the why: 

    • “Do your eyes feel tired?” 

    • “Is your body feeling wiggly?” 

      This builds self-regulation over time instead of dependence on rules. 

  6. Keep language neutral and supportive: Avoid framing screens as “bad.” Instead: 

    • “Screens are fun, and our brains need breaks.” 

    • “Breaks help us enjoy screen time more.” 

  7. Praise the effort, not perfection: Acknowledge when they stop willingly or suggest a break themselves: 

    • “I noticed you paused your game. It's nice when you listen to your body.” 

  8. Adjust for age 

    • Younger kids: Visual timers, clear transitions, playful movement 

    • Tweens/teens: Collaborative rule-setting, autonomy, and trust-building conversations. 

 

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How can I talk to my child about their online life without invading their privacy? 

​

Discovering that your child is being cyberbullied can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. At BeSmartOnline, we are here to guide parents through this challenging situation with practical advice and support.

 

Recognise the Signs

​

Cyberbullying can take many forms, including hurtful messages, exclusion, spreading rumours, impersonation, or fake accounts. Common signs include changes in your child’s behaviour, reluctance to use devices, anxiety, or withdrawal from social activities.

 

Listen and Support

​

Create a safe and open environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their experiences. Reassure them that they are not to blame and that help is available to address the issue.

Reporting Fake Accounts and Bullying

If your child encounters fake accounts or abusive behaviour online, it is important to report these to the respective social media platforms immediately. BeSmartOnline offers guidance and support for online interventions, helping parents navigate the process of reporting to platforms effectively to ensure swift action.

 

School Support

 

Public schools have access to the Anti-Bullying department, which can provide assistance to tackle bullying within the school environment. Parents are encouraged to reach out to school authorities to involve these resources and ensure your child’s safety at school.

​

When to Reach Out to BeSmartOnline

 

If the situation becomes difficult to manage or you need personalized guidance, you can reach out to BeSmartOnline for support anytime. You can contact us by calling 179 or through our BeSmartOnline page.

When contacting us, it’s helpful to have the following information ready:

​

  • Evidence of the bullying, such as screenshots or saved messages

  • Links to fake accounts, abusive pages, or profiles involved

  • Usernames or links of the person targeting your child

  • Links to chat groups or forums where bullying occurred, including screenshots

  • Any other relevant details that can assist in addressing the issue

​​

Providing these details allows us to give targeted advice and assist you more effectively with reporting and interventions on online platforms.

 

Document the Bullying

​

Keep a record of all bullying incidents by saving messages, screenshots, or any online evidence. This documentation can be crucial when reporting the situation to schools, platforms, or authorities.

 

Teach Online Safety

 

Empower your child by teaching them how to manage their online presence: blocking offenders, securing privacy settings, and being cautious with personal information sharing.

 

Seek Professional Help

 

If bullying affects your child’s emotional well-being, consider seeking support from mental health professionals or counsellors.

​

BeSmartOnline is committed to helping families navigate cyberbullying with knowledge, tools, and direct support for reporting and interventions. Together, we can create safer online spaces for children and teens.

What is grooming? 

 

Grooming is when a person builds a relationship with a child, young person, or a vulnerable adult so they can abuse and manipulate them into doing things. The abuse is usually sexual or financial, but it can also include other illegal acts. 

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Grooming can take place online or in person, and it can happen over a short or long period of time, from days to years. 

Groomers are good at lying about who they are, particularly online, where they can create a false identity and pretend to be younger than they are. 

 

People can be groomed online through: 

  • Social media networks 

  • Text messages and messaging apps, like WhatsApp 

  • Email 

  • Text, voice, and video chats in forums, games, and apps 

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Online grooming tactics 

  • Groomers use platforms, games, and apps that are popular with children so they can make friends with them. 

  • They may use an avatar or fake profile to pretend to be someone the child is likely to be interested in or feel they can trust, such as another child or gamer. This makes it easier to trick children into chatting and sharing personal details. 

  • They find out personal information about the child by looking at what they have posted online or by asking them questions, to help develop a feeling of connection. As the friendship or ‘relationship’ grows, the child becomes comfortable sharing more about themselves. 

  • They encourage the child to connect in private chats, direct messages, and video calls, which makes it difficult to monitor and report abuse. 

  • They encourage the child to keep their connection a secret and may try to emotionally and physically separate the child from their family and friends. 

  • They use the ‘always on’ nature of technology to keep in continuous contact with the child. This can increase the intensity of the relationship and make the contact hard to escape. 

  • They may use digital technology to track and harass children. This is sometimes called ‘cyberstalking.’ 

  • Online sexual offenders may be strangers, but they can also be known to the child, such as a relative, family friend, carer, or an authority figure in the child’s life (e.g., a teacher or a coach). They can sometimes also be a peer or an  older young person. 

  • Perpetrators will usually persuade the child into sexual conversations or activities, such as sending sexual images or videos, sexual live chats, and/or video calls. They may also arrange to meet the child or young person and to harm them physically. 

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Here are common warning signs that an online “friend” may be trying to groom a child for an inappropriate or exploitative relationship.

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1. Excessive Interest in Age or Personal Details 

  • Asking repeatedly for the child's age, school, location, or whether parents are around. 

  • Trying to find out if the child is alone or unsupervised. 

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2. Attempts to Move Conversations to Private or Less Monitored Spaces 

  • Immediately suggesting switching from a public platform to DMs, text, encrypted apps, or video calls. 

  • Saying things like “Let’s keep this between us.” 

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3. Giving Lots of Attention, Flattery, or Gifts 

  • Over-the-top compliments, especially about appearance. 

  • Sending gifts, game currency, or money. 

  • Acting overly supportive or claiming to be the child's “best friend” very quickly. 

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4. Asking for Secrecy 

  • Saying that the child shouldn’t tell parents, teachers, or friends about them. 

  • Encouraging the child to hide messages or use disappearing chats. 

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5. Inappropriate or Sexual Conversations 

  • Making sexual jokes, asking about their body, relationships, or if the child has “done things.” 

  • Sending sexual content or asking the child to send photos/videos. 

 

6. Trying to Isolate the Child

  • Discouraging the child from talking with family or real-life friends. 

  • Making the child feel like only they understand them. 

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7. Age Discrepancies and Dishonesty 

  • They claim to be the child's age but their voice, photos, or behavior don’t match. 

  • They avoid showing their face or give excuses for not video calling. 
     

8. Mood Swings or Manipulation 

  • Becoming upset if the child don’t respond quickly. 

  • Guilt-tripping: Using phrases like “I thought you cared about me”. 

  • Suggesting that the child owes them something because they’ve been “nice.” 

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10. Sharing Personal Problems to Create Dependence 

  • Oversharing adult problems to make the child feel responsible for them. 

  • Claiming that the child is the only one who can make them feel better. 

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11. Testing Boundaries 

  • Starting with mild rule-breaking like talking late at night, sharing small secrets and escalating slowly. 

  • Making the child feel “grown-up” for participating. 

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12. Pressuring for Real-Life Meetings 

  • Trying to arrange a secret meetup with the child. 

  • Offering rides, inviting the child to their home, or asking where they’ll be at specific times.

 

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Checklist for Parents / Guardians 

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Online Safety Basics 

  • Know which platforms, games, and apps your child uses. 

  • Encourage open conversations about their online experiences without judgment. 

  • Teach children not to share personal information.  

  • Ensure devices stay in shared or visible areas of the home such as the living area.

  • Enable parental controls, privacy settings, and age-appropriate filters.

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Recognizing Concerning Interactions 

  • Notice if your child becomes secretive about online activity. 

  • Look for sudden mood changes after being online. 

  • Watch for new “friends” your child doesn’t want to describe or share details about. 

  • Watch for changes in boundaries: talking about mature topics, new slang, or sexualized content. 

  • Pay attention if someone is giving your child gifts, money, or game currency. 

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Protection & Prevention 

  • Teach kids how to leave conversations that feel weird or unsafe. 

  • Set clear family rules for online use (time limits, device use rules, allowed apps). 

  • Keep accounts private; restrict messages from strangers. 

  • Know how to report/block people on platforms your child uses. 

  • Regularly update apps and check security settings. 

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When Something Feels Wrong 

  • Save screenshots or messages (don’t delete them). 

  • Block and report the suspicious user. 

  • Contact the platform’s safety team. 

  • Seek professional help or law enforcement if there is an immediate risk or sexual exploitation. 

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How Minors Can Protect Themselves Online 

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Safe Behavior Online 

  • Never share personal details like your address, school, phone number, or exact age. 

  • Keep profiles set to private. 

  • Only accept friend requests from people you know in real life. 

  • Don’t send personal photos to strangers: not even “normal” ones. 

  • Avoid one-on-one chats with adults you don’t know personally. 

  • Be cautious of people who compliment you too much or ask personal questions. 

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How to Handle Uncomfortable Situations 

  • If someone makes you feel weird, pressured, or scared leave the chat immediately. 

  • Don’t respond to sexual or personal questions. 

  • Don’t agree to meet someone you met online without your parent or guardian’s full involvement. 

  • Talk to a trusted adult if you see anything inappropriate. 

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How to Stay in Control 

  • You don’t owe anyone online anything. 

  • You can block anyone at any time. 

  • Real friends don’t ask for secrets, photos, or private conversations. 

  • If someone insists on “just us” or secrecy, that is a red flag: tell an adult. 

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What does the Maltese law say about Grooming?

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  • The Maltese Criminal Code (Cap. 9) criminalises sexual activity and conduct involving children, and it includes provisions criminalising meeting a child following sexual grooming and related preparatory acts (communications aimed at procuring, corrupting or sexual exploitation of a minor). These provisions have been added and updated across several amendment rounds (2010 onward). The Criminal Code is the primary instrument for prosecuting grooming-related criminality. 

  • Minor Protection (Alternative Care) Act (Cap. 602) and related child-protection legislations is set out to safeguard minors and set reporting and welfare obligations. It also provides a framework for state child-protection responses; the Act also strengthened concepts such as mandatory reporting for professionals in certain settings. 

  • Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (POMA, Cap. 518) establishes and develops the offenders’ register for persons convicted of sexual offences against minors; this impacts sentencing, supervision, and public protection measures. Malta participates in EU/International mechanisms to combat online sexual abuse.

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Reporting, mandatory reporting, and victim protection

 

  • Mandatory reporting: the Minor Protection Act and guidance documents set reporting duties for professionals working with children in defined roles for example school staff, childcare, and some health and social services. Authorities can then trigger child-protection and criminal-investigation pathways. 

  • How to report: suspected grooming or child sexual exploitation should be reported to the police (Maltese Police) and the national child-protection services. Police have specialist units handling online child sexual abuse. For urgent threats to a child, contact police immediately.

 

Report it 

Grooming is an offence. If you suspect a minor is being groomed, even if you’re not sure, report it.

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If you think you are being groomed, tell a trusted adult!

What to do if my child wants to join social media? 

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If your child wants to join social media, it’s a good moment to balance safety, trust, and guidance rather than just saying yes or no. Here’s a clear, practical approach we would recommend as Malta's Safer Internet Centre:

 

  1. Check age rules first: Most major platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, etc.) require users to be at least 13 years old to join. If your child is younger, it’s reasonable to wait.  

  2. If your child is 13 years or older, talk before deciding: This helps you understand their motivation and teaches them to think critically. Ask questions like: 

    • Why do you want to join? 

    • Who do you want to connect with? 

    • What do you think could go wrong online?  

  3. Set clear boundaries: If you decide to allow it, agree on rules such as: 

    1. Private accounts only 

    2. Only connect with people they know in real life 

    3. No sharing of personal information such as their school, address, and phone number 

    4. Screen-time limits 

    5. Allow with the  understanding that you can review their account together 

  4. Teach online safety: Make sure they understand: 

    • Not everything online is real 

    • How to block and report bullying or inappropriate content 

    • Never sending or requesting explicit photos 

    • To tell you if something makes them uncomfortable 

  5. Start small and supervise: Make sure to: 

    1. Keep the conversation ongoing 

    2. Put in boundaries like only allowing only one platform at a time 

    3. Regular check-ins rather than secret spying (trust matters) 

    4. Parental controls and monitoring tools 

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Make sure that you keep the conversation open: Social media isn’t a one-time decision. Check in regularly and adjust rules as your child matures. Your goal isn’t to control every click, it is to help your child learn how to use social media responsibly and safely. 

How can I teach my Child to Critically Evaluate Online Information?

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In today’s digital world, children are constantly surrounded by information: from videos and social media posts to news articles and online ads. While the internet offers endless learning opportunities, it can also spread misinformation, scams, and biased content. Helping your child learn to think critically about what they see online is one of the best digital skills you can teach.

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1. Start with curiosity, not fear:  Encourage your child to ask questions whenever they come across something online. Ask together: Who created this? Why was it made? This helps them understand that not everything online is neutral or true.

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2. Check the source and be alert to AI-generated content: Show your child how to look for the website’s author, publication date, and web address. Reliable sites usually list their sources and have a professional look (for example, .edu, .org, or official .gov websites). Explain that with new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), it’s now easier than ever for people to create realistic images, videos, and articles that may not be genuine. Encourage your child to look closely for signs that something might be AI-generated such as strange details in photos, missing sources, or text that sounds too perfect or repetitive. Remind them that just because something looks real online doesn’t mean it is.

 

3. Compare and verify: Encourage them to look at more than one source before believing or sharing information. For example, if they read a “fact” on social media, help them see if it appears on a trusted news site too.

 

4. Talk about bias and advertising: Explain that some posts or videos are made to sell products or push opinions. Help them recognise emotional language, clickbait headlines, or overly dramatic claims as signs to look deeper.

5. Model critical thinking: When you come across questionable information yourself, think aloud. Say things like, “This looks interesting, but I want to see if it’s true,” and show them how you fact-check it.

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By turning these steps into everyday habits, you’ll help your child grow into a confident, informed digital citizen who can safely navigate the online world.

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