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BE INTERNET KIND
Respecting others

The internet amplifies everything, good and bad, so teach children to treat others as they would like to be treated and show them how to stop online bullying in its tracks.

Cyberbullying:
Whoʼs who?

Online bullying usually involves a few different people. Knowing who’s who will help children make good choices when it comes to standing up for whatʼs right.

A bully, or bullies
those who are being hurtful to others

A target, or victim
the person being bullied

Bystanders
people who have the power to intervene, but don’t do anything to stop the negativity

Upstanders
people who call out bad behaviour and stand up for kindness and positivity

Being a good
upstander

There are lots of ways to help stop negativity and prevent the spread of upsetting content online.

Activity

Ask your child about about their own experiences. Have they ever found themselves in one of the roles weʼve talked about in the Whoʼs who section above, for example?

Use the following topics to carry on the conversation.

Setting a good example

Be a positive voice among friends and spread good feelings everywhere — online and off.

Being a good friend

Let people know they are not alone and offer support if theyʼre feeling sad.

Donʼt give bullies an audience

Donʼt ‘like’ or respond to hurtful comments or posts. Sometimes bullies act aggressively to get attention and theyʼre more likely to stop if you ignore them.

Reporting mean behaviour

Use online reporting tools to notify those who can remove inappropriate comments, or stop bullies from posting again.

Communicating
clearly

Messages sent online can sometimes be interpreted differently than they would be in person or over the phone.

Activity

Discuss developing a positive tone of voice, encourage children to assume good intent when they receive messages, and use these tips to help them make their meaning crystal clear.

1 Read messages out loud before you send them — there could be a better way to say what you want to say.

2 Add emojis to help people understand your tone.

3 Don’t read too much into things. If you aren’t sure how someone’s feeling, just ask them.

4 Always be respectful — someone could have just gotten it wrong this time.

While sending messages online might often be easier, remember that some conversations are best had face-to-face.

Quick lessons
for little ones...

If it’s bad, block it.

If it’s not right to say out loud, it isn’t right to post.

Speak up against bullying and always report it to an adult.

Be a Legend. Step in and provide support to those being bullied.

Be positive! Use the power of the internet to be nice, not nasty.

  • Be Internet Kind