TRANSCRIPT:
Cyber bullying is a form of bullying that takes place online using electronic media such as mobile phones, and it can be carried out by one person or a group of people. So types of bullying can include blackmail, threats, abusive comments, spreading rumours, sharing embarrassing pictures or creating fake profiles on social media sites. And so the building can be one of the toughest types of bullying to cope with. Smartphones and other devices means that there is no escape in it, and so it continues to happen around the clock. And then those words and those images are preserved online for others to see, which can contribute to more people joining in on that bullying.
So what is the law around cyberbullying? Well, it's not a crime in itself. However, the acts and the behaviour of in those incidents of online bullying can amount to offences and they would be dealt with accordingly by the police. So we do have laws to assist us and to deal with cases of cyber bullying. And those include the protection from harassment act and also the Malicious Communications Act.
So how do you know if your child is being bullied? Well, there's no one sign to indicate that a child is being bullied online. However, there are a number of things, and that as parents you can be aware of, which may indicate that they are being bullied, especially those that are out of character. And it may just prompt you to ask them, you know, are you OK? So these things could be that they're appearing anxious, upset or abrupt after using their device, and it may be that they're more protective of their device or they're using it more or less than usual, and they don't want to talk about it if you're bringing this up. They could have mood changes and they could be avoiding school or social situations. And they may also complain of an illness. And. And it is well evidence that children who are being bullied do suffer effects on their mental health as a result of stress and anxiety.
So what can you do? Well, the first thing is to reassure them. So the advice from the NSPCC is to let them know that you want to help them put a stop to it. And then encourage them to talk to someone that they trust. And just to be aware that that person might not be you, it could be a family friend or someone from school. And then to reassure them that they are believed and that there is support to help them and making sure that they know how to access that those relevant services.
So how can you help them cope and manage the process? So you need to listen when they need to talk and keep calm and don't judge them. And also don't underestimate the effect that it's having on them. So help them find coping mechanisms which don't involve taking their devices from them, because that can then cause additional stress and additional anxieties. And you need to be led by them. So it's really important that they are in control of the situation where possible and that they understand their choices and that they're given time to think and decide what is best for them.
So if bullying is taking place on a social network site such as Facebook or Twitter or Snapchat, there is a function which allows the user to block someone so you can contact them directly, and they do have policies in place to remove appropriate material, and they can even delete a bullies account. And then there's also report function on this site. So there is a website called Net Aware and that's in partnership with the NSPCC and O2 and what they have on there is it's an A-Z of social media sites and apps and with information specifically for parents.
So what if you need help? So often parents are unable to resolve the situation for their child alone as it is so complex and sensitive or severe in some cases. So it may be necessary to involve the school or the club or the youth group or even the police to help address what is happening. And it is perfectly understandable that when parents require help and it is often needed to resolve some cases of cyberbullying. So in a case where your child is subject to severe or persistent bullying, it is recommended that all emails and messages and screenshots of social media posts are stored as evidence of the bullying. And although, as I said, bullying is not a crime in itself, the behaviours and the actions of the bullies can be. And also please ask your child not to retaliate.

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