Cyberbullying is the use of technology to deliberately hurt, upset, harass or embarrass someone else. Cyberbullying can occur using practically any form of connected media, from nasty text and image messages using mobile phones, to unkind blog and social networking posts, or emails and instant messages, to malicious websites created solely for the purpose of intimidating an individual. Cyberbullying can be even more harmful than normal forms of bullying in several ways. As there is a:

Possibility to electronically invade the home and personal space of the victim.

Greater potential size of the audience.

Greater speed of spreading upsetting messages or images.

Difficulty in controlling anything posted or circulated electronically.

Perceived anonymity to Cyberbullying, due to its faceless nature which can lead to children becoming involved in activities that they wouldn’t dream of in the real world, whether as the perpetrator or as a bystander. Let your children know that it’s OK to block ‘buddies’ or just disconnect from the website if someone or something is making them feel uncomfortable online. Ultimately, they are in control, if they do choose to block or disconnect, it’s still a good idea for them to talk through the issues with a known and trusted adult: this can help children and young people to reaffirm, that they acted in safe and positive way.