Children’s Internet Safety 33 CYBERBULLYING cont’d continued Cyberbullying facts and statistics 84% of 8-17s say they have been bullied on social media, through text message and on other online platforms, compared to 61% face-toface. 84% 70% of parents worry about online trolling or abuse from strangers, and 66% are concerned about their child being harassed by other children online. 70% Research shows that 71% of parents worry about their child experiencing online bullying by someone they know. 71% Despite issues faced online, 55% of children aged 9-16 say that using the internet has a positive impact on their wellbeing. 55% Shame Both victim and cyberbully can encounter shame, which often displays as ‘I am bad’.This is usually easier to spot by behaviours and words that reflect a lack of self-esteem or self-worth. Children experiencing feelings of shame might say things like ‘nobody likes me’, ‘I’m no good’ and ‘you’ll hate me’. These children are suffering both emotionally and physically. In a state of shame, the body begins to produce chemicals that are not helpful for brain development, empathy and compassion.The child begins to withdraw inwards or act outwardly, such as through aggression. How to support your child You can help your child by explaining that sometimes we feel silly, but that feeling will pass. If we’ve done something silly (like name-calling to join in with others/peers), realising our mistake and apologising can help repair relationships.
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