7 tips on how parents can react correctly to cyberbullying

One in five children who experience cyberbullying do not tell anyone about it. Those affected are most likely to tell a friend. Parents should therefore look out for subtle signs or changes in their child's behaviour if they suspect that they are being bullied online:

• Your child withdraws, suddenly talks less about school or friends, no longer meets them and seems socially isolated.
• They suddenly find it difficult to concentrate.
• It suddenly brings home lower grades.

• They start to avoid certain situations. Perhaps they always go to school later so that they don't bump into others on the way. Or they suddenly no longer want to pursue their hobby, go to sport or join the scouts.
• They can't fall asleep or have nightmares at night. Or they suddenly suffer from frequent headaches or stomach aches.
• Perhaps it suddenly no longer dares to use the mobile phone. Or they close applications when you come into the room. They may seem sad, anxious, upset or angry after being on the mobile phone or computer.

Is your child affected by cyberbullying? Keep a cool head and don't rush into anything.

• It no longer appears cheerful, but rather nervous, anxious or depressed.
• He no longer wants to go to school.

These signs may indicate cyberbullying.

The important thing is to remain attentive and ask questions objectively. And never ignore the possibility that your child is being bullied themselves.

If your child is actually affected by cyberbullying: keep a cool head and don't rush into anything. Instead, proceed step by step:

1. keep calm, ask for

Ask your child objectively about the incidents. Do not react impulsively, for example by contacting the parents of the (suspected) perpetrator. Discuss the next steps with your child, do not go over their head. Instead, give them support and tell them that they are not to blame.

2. create a protocol, secure evidence

Create a log of all incidents together. Save all evidence, for example in the form of screenshots or printouts. Both are valuable if you file a complaint later.

Parents often feel powerless when they learn that their child is being bullied online.

3. block the offender, delete offensive content

Do not allow your child to respond to online attacks (any more) and block the bully or bullies. Set privacy settings in social media so that only close friends can see posts. If offensive photos or videos have been published, delete them as far as possible or have them deleted by the platform operator after you have saved everything.

4. contact the school

If it concerns incidents in the school environment, seek dialogue with the class teacher or the school social services. Does it relate more to music lessons, scouting or sport? Ask about it. Clarify what observations have been made.

5. seek professional help

Parents often feel powerless when they learn that their child is being bullied online. Seek professional counselling to escape this feeling and agree on how to proceed. Discuss the next steps with the school. Insist that the incident is dealt with.

6 Let us advise you: To advertise, yes or no?

Everything that is punishable offline - coercion, blackmail, threats - is also punishable online. Seek advice on whether it is advisable to report the offence. You can obtain detailed information about your rights as a victim in criminal proceedings from Victim Support.

7. teach your child normality

Despite all the turmoil: Respect your child's self-protection, for example if they don't want to talk about what has happened. Give them a sense of normality, for example by doing things that you usually do or that they enjoy.