Would You Know If Your Child Was Being Cyberbullied?

For children and young people, what happens online can feel just as important as what happens at school, with friends or at home. When something goes wrong online, its impact does not always stay behind the screen.

Cyberbullying can take different forms, including hurtful or threatening messages, spreading rumours, sharing embarrassing content, deliberately excluding someone from online groups, or using accounts to target or humiliate them.

As a parent or caregiver, you do not need to know everything about every app or platform to help. Being present, listening and knowing what steps you can take can make an important difference.

What might you notice?

Every child responds differently, and there is no single sign that tells you cyberbullying is happening. Instead, pay attention to changes in what is normal for your child.

You might notice that they:

• Seem upset, anxious or frustrated after being online.

• Suddenly avoid certain apps, games or group chats.

• Become worried when receiving messages or notifications.

• Experience changes in mood, sleep or school performance.

• Withdraw from friends, family or activities they usually enjoy.

• Become reluctant to attend school or social activities.

  
  

These changes do not necessarily mean that your child is experiencing cyberbullying. However, they can be an opportunity to check in. You could simply say: “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed yourself lately. Is there anything happening online or offline that you’d like to talk about?”

If your child opens up to you

You do not need to have an immediate solution. Start by listening. Give your child time to explain what happened and how it has made them feel. Staying calm and taking their concerns seriously can help them feel safe enough to continue talking.

Try to avoid immediately taking away their phone or internet access. Although your instinct may be to protect them, they could experience this as a punishment for speaking up and may become less likely to ask for help in the future. Instead, work through the situation together:

• Listen before acting. Understand what happened and what is worrying your child.

• Reassure them. Let them know that speaking to you was a positive step and that they do not have to deal with the situation alone.

• Keep the evidence. Save relevant screenshots, messages, usernames, dates and links.

• Avoid retaliation. Responding in anger can sometimes escalate the situation.

• Block and report through BeSmartOnline or 179. Use the tools available on the platform to block the person. If you need support with the reporting process, BeSmartOnline can guide you and, where applicable, assist in reporting content to platforms through our Trusted Flagger channels.

• Agree on the next step together. Depending on the situation, this may involve the school, the platform or additional professional support. You do not have to navigate this alone: BeSmartOnline can help you understand the available options and guide you towards the most appropriate next step.

  
  

Where possible, involve your child in decisions about what happens next. This can help them regain a sense of control over the situation.

You don’t need to know everything to help

Technology changes quickly, and your child may know more about a particular app, game or platform than you do. That is okay.

Ask questions and let them show you what happened. Focus first on understanding their experience rather than immediately trying to solve the problem.

It also helps to make conversations about online life part of everyday family life. Ask about the games they enjoy, who they interact with online and what they like or dislike about their digital experiences. This can make it easier for your child to approach you when something does go wrong.

Support is available in Malta

You and your child do not have to navigate a difficult online situation alone.

BeSmartOnline, Malta’s Safer Internet Centre coordinated by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS), provides information, guidance and support on online safety.

If you or your child need support with cyberbullying or another online situation, contact Supportline 179, free of charge and available 24/7. Online-related cases will be referred to the BeSmartOnline team for further guidance and support.

Where applicable, BeSmartOnline can also assist with reporting content to online platforms, including through the Trusted Flagger mechanism for relevant illegal content.

Seeking guidance does not mean you have failed to handle the situation yourself. Sometimes, knowing when to reach out for additional support is one of the most helpful things you can do.

You do not need to have every answer. Be present, listen, stay curious and take the next step together.

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