Parents: Bullying & online safety

1) Keep the door open (small, frequent check-ins)

Ask simple questions regularly so your child learns this topic is normal to talk about: “Who did you sit with?” “What was the best part of recess?” “Did anything feel unfair today?”

2) Watch for warning signs

Warning signs can include mood changes, avoiding school, sudden headaches/stomachaches, changes in sleep, lost items, or pulling away from friends. One sign doesn’t prove bullying — patterns matter.

3) Respond calmly if they tell you

Stay calm, thank them for telling you, and get details gently. Kids shut down if they feel you might explode or take over. Focus on: what happened, where, who was involved, and how often.

4) Practice “what to do” (so they’re not frozen)

• Stay near trusted adults or groups when possible.
• Use a short response like “Stop.” “That’s not okay.” then walk away.
• Get help from a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, coach).
• If online, don’t respond — save evidence and report/block.

5) Partner with the school (when it’s school-related)

If bullying is happening at school, report it to school staff. Ask what steps will be taken to keep your child safe and how you’ll be updated. Keep notes of dates and what was reported.

6) Teach “upstander” skills (helping others safely)

Kids can support peers by including others, being kind, and getting adult help when someone is being harmed. “Upstander” doesn’t mean fighting — it means smart, safe support.

1) Make it safe to tell you (no instant punishment)

Tell your child clearly: “If something makes you uncomfortable, you won’t be in trouble for telling me.” Kids hide problems when they fear losing devices or being blamed.

2) Teach personal information like it’s a secret recipe

Explain what counts as personal information (full name, address, school, passwords, phone number, location, private photos). Teach: “If you wouldn’t put it on a billboard, don’t put it online.”

3) Set simple boundaries that match age

• Young kids: only approved apps/sites + shared screens (living room rule).
• Older kids: privacy settings, friend lists, and time limits reviewed together.
• Everyone: no sharing passwords (except to parents/guardians).

4) Use privacy settings and parental controls as training wheels

Controls aren’t a replacement for conversations — they reduce risk while your child is learning. Review settings on apps/devices regularly because platforms change.

5) Teach what to do if something goes wrong

• Stop interacting (don’t reply to bullying or strangers).
• Save evidence (screenshots) when needed.
• Block/report users and tell a trusted adult.

6) Red flags to watch for

Sudden secrecy, mood swings after being online, new unknown “friends,” pressure to keep secrets, or fear/anxiety around devices can be warning signs.

Bullying check-in

“Who did you spend time with today? Did anything feel uncomfortable or unfair? If anything ever feels mean or scary, I want you to tell me — I’ve got your back.”

Online safety check-in

“Show me your favorite thing you do online. If anything ever makes you feel weird or unsafe, you won’t be in trouble for telling me.”

When your child is upset

“That makes sense. I’m glad you told me. Let’s figure out the next step together.”

When you need details without pressure

“Can you tell me what happened first, then what you did next? We can pause anytime.”