Childline advice on talking to children about bullying and cyber bullying

How can you talk to your children about bullying and cyber bullying?

Are there any steps you can take to help keep them safe?

In her latest column for My Kent Family, Childline service manager Wendy Robinson has some important advice...

Playing, joking and messing around in the playground are just part of growing up.

But bullying is not a rite of passage. With so many pressures on children today from exam stress to sexting, growing up isn’t easy.

Bullying takes many forms – it could be name-calling, having rumours spread about you or being physically hurt, threatened or intimidated.

Children are often scared of the repercussions if they speak up but there are some signs to look out for - they might suddenly become withdrawn or depressed, have problems sleeping, miss school, change their eating habits or start self-harming.

Today bullying doesn’t end at the school gates like it used to. Children can be targeted 24 hours a day online and through social media.

One 11 year old boy who contacted Childline told us: “I have been racially abused online and am really shocked and upset. I was playing online games with friends from school and one boy started calling me racist names during the game. He even told me to go back to my own country and threatened me physically.

"I have never experienced racism before; why would he say things like that to me?”

It can be distressing to discover that your child is being bullied.

These tips will help you keep them safe...

• Talk about it! Explain to your child what bullying is and ask if they're being bullied. Keep calm and listen carefully. If you’re not sure how to start the conversation you can find tips on the NSPCC website
• Make sure they know who to ask for help. Let them know they can talk to you, a teacher or they can contact Childline on 0800 1111.
• Help them take time out. Being bullied may make them feel low so try and find ways to build their confidence.
• Teach them how to stay safe online. Visit www.net-aware.org.uk to find out more about how to do this.
• Take further action if it continues. Speak to the school, club or report the bully online and block them.

We can all play a part in helping keep children safe from bullying and cyberbullying.

Childline is always there when children need someone to listen in confidence. They can speak to our trained counsellors on 0800 1111.

Children can also find more information about bullying at www.childline.org.uk.

Parents and carers can call the NSPCC’s helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000.