Most victims do not seek help from those close to them due to fears of judgment and losing access to digital technologies, states the Order of Portuguese Psychologists (OPP) in a released statement, recommending that parents and caregivers speak with children and young people about cyberbullying.
Psychologists note that cyberbullying can occur anywhere, at any time, persistently, putting any child or young person at risk once they have unsupervised access to a mobile phone, computer, or tablet.
In the new guide for parents and caregivers set to be released on Monday, World Day Against Bullying, several warning signs are outlined, including showing sadness, anxiety, or distress during or after internet use, keeping their digital life secretive, isolating themselves and avoiding family, friends or usual activities, and displaying nervousness and anxiety when a message appears.
In the event of a cyberbullying situation, it is recommended to offer support and comfort, ensuring the child/young person that they are not to blame and reminding them that they are not alone and that a solution will be found together.
It is also advised to limit internet access until the situation is resolved, report and/or block the cyberbully, encourage not responding to the cyberbullying but keep messages/photos/interactions that may serve as evidence for the school or even the police.
Other recommendations include seeking assistance from the school, involving the homeroom teacher or school psychologist, contacting authorities, and, in severe cases (such as threats of violence, blackmail/extortion attempts, encouragement of self-harm or suicide), contacting the PSP or GNR — Safe School and the local Commission for the Protection of Children and Young People.
To prevent cyberbullying situations, psychologists recommend establishing rules and schedules for digital technology use, in line with school, study, and recreation times, and being aware of how the child or young person spends their online time while respecting their privacy.
