Cyberbullying: what should I do if my child is a victim?

A bullying situation can happen online, on the internet and social media. We then speak of cyber harassmentwhich is a form of digital violence. Nowadays, 20% of young people aged 6 to 18 have already been affected by a case of cyberbullying. What to do in case of cyberbullying? We take stock with Axelle Desaint, Director of Internet Sans Fear, the European Commission’s national awareness program for young people’s screens and digital uses.

What is cyberbullying?

“Cyberbullying is online violence, which can take the form of comments, hate speech, insults, photo sharing without the consent of the person. Those are repeated violence that lasts over time“, explains Axelle Desaint. Cyberbullying is done electronically on mobile phones, instant messaging, forums, chats, online games, emails, or even social networks such as Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, etc.

Furthermore, cyberbullying has an additional dimension compared to school bullying: the concept of permanence. “Generally, bullying will be confined to a space that can give the victim some respite when they are no longer confronted with these bullies, whereas cyberbullying involves constant violence, which can become viral“, adds the expert.

“With cyberbullying, it’s constant online violence, which can go viral.”

What to do if a child is being bullied online?

If a child is bullied online, parents or loved ones can take action on several levels.

Reassure the child who is a victim

As parents, it is important to start by reassuring the child, and listening to him. Just as quickly get him away from his computer, cell phone or tablet so he can no longer access those online insults.

Take care of the online part

Parents can disconnect all accounts and social networks of the child, block contacts of bullies and report the situation to the online platform or by calling the number 3018. Also keep all online evidence that your child is attacked.

Alert responsible adults

When it concerns children, cyberbullying is often the continuation of a bullying situation that takes place at school, or in a sports club. In this case, it is appropriate to talk about the situation to the educational teams, the head of the school or the child’s coach.

At schooleducation professionals will be able to summon the perpetrator, support and reassure your child, accompany you in your steps, and initiate disciplinary proceedings, or even report the offense to the public prosecutor.

Dare to file a complaint

In France, a legislative framework allows victims and parents to lodge a complaint if a child is cyberbullied.

Has your child witnessed cyberbullying?

As soon as a witness identifies an inappropriate word, an embarrassing situation, or if he sees an abused child, he can act by turning around and talking to an adult. He can also report the situation to the online platform on behalf of the victim. It is also advisable to make copies of the evidence, and if possible, to support the victim.

What is the number to call in case of cyberbullying?

A specific telephone number exists against digital violence: 30 18. It now replaces the Net Ecoute number 0800 200 000. 30 18 is a free, anonymous and confidential number. It is accessible by telephone 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., but also on 3018.fr, by live chat via Messenger and WhatsApp.

At the end of the line, psychologists, lawyers and specialists in digital tools can answer questions from young people and parents about cyber-bullying, and all forms of online violence and abuse (revenge porn, webcam blackmail , overexposure to screens, account hacking, identity theft, etc.).

What are the signs of cyberbullying that should alert?

Some signs and changes in behavior related to cyberbullying can alert families and loved ones of victims, perpetrators and witnesses. “Parents are often the last to know that their child is a victim of cyberbullying. The child feels guilty and does not dare to talk about it”, emphasizes the specialist. It is therefore important that parents go to the front by addressing what cyberbullying is to their child. “Before detecting the signs, you have to have this word with the child”, she advises.

In the victim : isolation, low self-esteem, digital rejection, eating disorders, anxiety, recurring complaints, loss of interest in activities, sleep disorders, fatigue, delays, drop in school results, absences, threats (harming or hurt others).

Among perpetrators and witnesses of cyberbullying : aggressive and provocative attitude, positive view of this type of behavior, low empathy, aggressive circle of friends or who participate in harassment, does not recognize the impact of his actions, use of many online accounts.

What does the law in France say against cyberbullying?

French law considers cyberbullying a crime, “which engages the responsibility of the people who cause the harassment”, indicates the expert. The law considers thatfrom the age of 13, the child has criminal responsibility. Penalties generally vary according to the age of the perpetrator. Today, a perpetrator of cyberbullying can incur a sentence of up to 3 years in prison, and a fine of 45,000 euroswith some aggravating circumstances when the situation leads to the victim’s suicide, and the victim is a minor.

• Online insult or defamation faces a fine of 12,000 euros.
• Misuse of image rights can be punished by a sentence of one year in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros.
• identity theft is liable to one year’s imprisonment and a fine of 15,000 euros.
• Dissemination of sexually explicit photos or videos of a minor can be punished by 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 75,000 euros.

What are the figures for cyberbullying?

According to studies, there are different cyberbullying figuresof which :

• 20% of young people (6-18 years old) say they have already been confronted with a situation of cyberbullyingaccording the e-Enfance association.
• 25% of middle school students say they have experienced at least one attack via new technologies, and 14% of high school students say they have been the subject of an attack on the internet, according to figures from the Directorate General for School Education (DGESCO ).
• 40% of French students say they have been the victim of online aggression or meannessaccording to Ministry of Education website.

You should also know that cyberbullying generally affects secondary school (college and high school), “even if the average age tends to decrease, [le cyberharcèlement] mainly targets young girls, often includes a proven sexist and sexual dimension and is exerted on a victim who, in 80% of cases, knows and rubs shoulders with his aggressor on a daily basis”, details a Senate report.

Thanks to Axelle Desaint, Director of Internet Sans Fear, a national digital awareness program for young people.