During National Bullying No Way Week (12-16 August), Triple P is emphasising the critical need to protect children from cyberbullying and online dangers.
The organisation is urging parents and carers to take proactive steps in educating and safeguarding their children in the digital world.
Carol Markie-Dadds, Triple P International Country Director, highlighted the gravity of the issue, referencing Triple P’s largest-ever survey of parents and carers.
The survey revealed that 8 out of 10 parents are concerned about their children’s online safety, particularly when it comes to cyberbullying.
Alarmingly, parents of children aged 6-11 years expressed the least confidence in their ability to respond if their child were to be bullied.
“Bullying, whether it’s online through text or social media, or in person, has a significant impact on children’s emotional and physical health, and puts children at greater risk of mental health concerns, like anxiety or depression,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.
“This national week of action is a timely reminder that parents and carers play a key role in preventing and helping their children respond to bullying in all its forms.”
With the rise of online bullying, Triple P emphasises the importance of helping children develop the necessary skills to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.
Ms Markie-Dadds stressed that it takes time and practice for children to recognise unsafe situations, make informed decisions, and know when to seek help from a trusted adult.
To assist parents in starting these important conversations, Triple P offers three key tips:
Start the Conversation: Frequent, casual chats about online behaviour can be effective. For younger children, keep the discussion simple, focusing on kindness online. For older kids, respect their need for privacy and encourage them to think about the impact of their online actions.
Help Kids Feel Prepared: Discuss “what if” scenarios to prepare children for potential online challenges. Encourage them to think about how they would respond to uncomfortable situations, such as receiving a message from a stranger or witnessing cyberbullying.
Create a Calm, Supportive Space: Ensure children feel safe discussing online issues without fear of punishment. Let them know it’s okay to feel scared or worried and that you are there to listen and help.
Ms Markie-Dadds also noted that if parents suspect their child is being bullied online, they can seek help from their school, eSafety, or Kids Helpline.
“Bullying can seriously impact a child’s mental health and wellbeing throughout their school years and well into adulthood,” she said.
“It’s crucial that parents feel confident in managing their child’s use of social media and digital tools.
“A great first step is to talk with your child about bullying and online safety—it’s never too early to build these skills and awareness together.”
Triple P offers free online parenting programs designed to help parents and carers manage challenges and raise resilient children. These programs, supported by the Australian Government, are available 24/7 at triplep-parenting.net.au.
