Wherever there are kids and devices and an internet connection, the risk of harm from cyberbullying poses a clear and present danger to our children’s wellbeing.
But the good news is there’s so much we can do to keep them safe - to minimise the fallout from online cruelty, encourage compassion and responsibility, and put appropriate boundaries around their online activity.
One in five children has been the victim of cyberbullying, and three-quarters of Australian schools reported at least one incident of cyberbullying in the past year. No wonder surveys have found cyberbullying to be one of the leading concerns of parents.
Cyberbullying isn’t just “kids being kids.” It’s a form of serious online victimisation that can drive children to self-harm and even suicide - as a growing number of tragedies in Australia and around the world attest.
All bullying is about power - and using power in various ways to cause psychological and/or physical harm. Cyberbullying is no exception.
You can tell if something qualifies as cyberbullying by considering these three questions:
Family Zone can help keep your children safe from cyberbullying. How?
Use Family Zone to restrict social media access, or block it entirely.
Age-appropriate sleep-time settings that shut off the internet during the hours kids are most vulnerable to abuse (10 pm - 2 am).
Family Zone’s strong internet filters keep sexually explicit material off your child’s device.
Our unique cyber expert program gives parents access to advice and insight from leading specialists in child and teen development.
- Kevin Hobson, Australia
“You guys deserve medals! We have got our son back from a downward spiral. My son is actually doing his homework now. We can’t thank you enough, this is what technology should be used for - to benefit the entire family. A truly amazing transformation. You have my complete admiration.”