1. Source : http://www.bullyfreecampaign.sg/
What is Cyber Bullying?
Cyber bullying is bullying that occurs when technology (e.g. mobile phones, computers or social media sites are used as a means to hurt or upset someone on purpose.
Children and young people who bully others online do not need to be physically stronger and their methods can often be hidden and subtle.
It can be easier to say and reveal things that wouldn’t be said face to face; be cruel, aggressive or flirtatious. By its very nature, cyber bullying tends to involve a number of online bystanders and can quickly spiral out of control. It is important for young people to remember that there are offline consequences to online behaviour.
Parents need to be aware that children can be involved in cyber bullying in some way, either as a victim, perpetrator, or bystander. It is important that parents make clear that hurting and being mean to others online is not acceptable behaviour and lead by example. Asking their child simply not to use technology is not a realistic way to prevent or react to cyber bullying. They need to know what their children are doing online and also help them to do it in a safe way. With technology changing on a day-to-day basis, the best way to stay informed is for parents to be involved.
Download and play the cyber bullying video from
This video depicts a typical cyber bullying scenario in a light hearted way. The scene starts with a boy engrossed in typing away at the computer. A teacher happens to pass by and catches him red-handed in his cyber bullying act.  In it, ex-victims of cyber bullying recall and share their unforgettable experiences. Bystanders, who hold a very important role in stopping cyber bullying, were also interviewed for their view on cyber bullying.
Hear useful sharing by a principal, school Counsellor and social worker.
Reference:
Tokunaga, R. (n.d.). Following You Home From School: A Critical Review And Synthesis Of Research On Cyberbullying Victimization. Computers in Human Behavior,
UK Department of EDucation. (2014, Nov). Advice for parents and caregivers on cyber bullying. UK Department for Education. Water aerobics. Retrieved from
Source :

2. Possible Signs of Cyber Bullying
Be alert to a change in your child’s behaviour, for example:
Being upset, withdrawn or angry after using the Internet or their handphone.
Unwilling to talk or secretive about their online activities and handphone use.
Spending much more or much less time gaming or using social media.
Not wanting to go to school and/or avoiding meeting friends and school mates.
Avoiding formerly enjoyable social situations.
Difficulty sleeping.
Low self-esteem.
It is not always easy to spot the signs of cyber bullying as it can happen all the time, which is a feature that makes it different from other forms of bullying. Be alert to a change in your child’s behaviour.

3. Support for Children Who are Cyber Bullied
Remain calm and listen closely.
Let them know that you are there to support them.
Talk to a teacher at your child’s school.
Involve your child in resolving the issues.
Save the evidence.
Limit the spread of the hurtful message.
If you suspect a child or young person is being harassed or bullied either over the internet or via mobile phone, ask them to give you details.
If your child tells you that someone is bullying them online, take it seriously.
Be calm and ask your child to give you details. Keep communication channels with your child open.
Offer practical as well as emotional support. Let them know that you care.
Talk to a teacher at your child’s school and work with the school to resolve the issue.
Involve your child in resolving the issues as it can help to strengthen their self-confidence and restore a sense of emotional safety.
Save the evidence for future reference.
Limit the spread of the hurtful message by reporting the incident to the social networking services to take down the hurtful post.

4. Key Messages to Parents
Promote and role model kind and respectful behaviour online and offline.
Guide and care for children involved in cyber bullying.
Maintain good communication with your child.
Encourage and support your child to be an upstander* and not a bystander.
I will end this presentation with some key messages and reminders to parents as they accompany their child in the cyber world.
Promote and role model kind and respectful behaviour online and offline.
The set of values that guide everyday interactions in the real world is applicable in cyber space. Through role model and guidance from parents, children learn to be kind and respectful in their everyday interactions with others and to show empathy to those who may need a helping hand.
Guide and care for students involved in cyber bullying.
Cyber bullying incidents tend to recur and become more complex when previous incidents lack adequate closure. Parents should manage cyber bullying incidents to ensure bullies learn from their online misbehaviours, strained relationships between bullies and victims are resolved and hurt emotions are soothed. Through their care and guidance, bullies and victims learn to be resilient and are able to cope with future challenging online situations.
Maintain good communication with your child.
Good communication is essential in helping a child choose healthy and safe activities online. A positive connection with children helps to buffer them against the negative effects of cyber bullying. It also provides a bridge for the guidance to stick and opens a door for a child to seek help when needed.
Encourage and support students/ child to be upstanders and not a bystanders.
Children can make a difference in creating a safer and kinder Internet. Children are usually aware of the cyber bullying incidents that takes place at school. A child can be encouraged and empowered to be an upstander* and stand up for and provide support to the peers who have been bullied online.
*Upstanding is being socially responsible and standing up for and providing support to friends who have been bullied.
*Upstanding is being socially responsible and standing up for and providing support to friends who have been bullied.

5. Useful resources for parents

6. Useful Resources (Local)
Item
Details
Parents in Education (PiE)
Articles on parenting tips, educational news, information on the school curriculum, and resources for parents to support their children’s learning at home
Cyber Wellness Portal
Portal which aims to educate students, parents and educators on ways to keep ourselves safe while we surf the web at home or at school
From
Singapore
Link
Here are some resources from Singapore, including websites from government agencies that has cyber wellness efforts.

7. Useful Resources (Local)
Introducing…
C-Quest- A Mobile App Game to promote
Conversations about Cyber Wellness between
Parents and Children
Educational Game
C-Quest is specially designed to facilitate meaningful parent-child conversations on their online experiences and explore various cyber wellness issues in order to navigate cyber space skilfully and safely. Through the game, players will learn to be safe, respectful, and responsible users of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
C-Quest
Go to Google Play or Apple App Store
Search “C-Quest” and download the app
The C-Quest app by MOE is designed to facilitate meaningful conversations with your child on cyber wellness issues, aligning with the active mediation parenting strategy that is encouraged.

8. Useful Resources (Local)
Item
Details
Media Literacy Council (MLC)
The MLC website develops public awareness and education programmes relating to media literacy and cyber wellness
“Clique Click” Handbook
A handbook for parents of young children which touches on topics such as the usage of parental control tools and becoming good role models for children.
From
Singapore
Media Literacy Council, Singapore
Link
PDF File

9. Useful Resources (International)
Item
Details
Parenting in the Digital Age
A website to guide parents in helping their children stay safe, navigate the risks and enjoy their online lives
Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI)
FOSI brings an international perspective to the potential risks, harm as well as rewards of our online lives. It encompasses public policy as well as good digital parenting
From
United Kingdom
International
Link
Pitda.co.uk
Here are some resources based internationally, for parents to gain a wider understanding of cyber wellness issues across the globe.

10. Useful Resources (International)
Item
Details
Cyber(smart:)
A website designed to support and encourage participation in the digital economy by providing information and education which empowers children to be safe online
Safekids
Website which shares advice and guides on internet safety. Managed by Larry Magrid, a technology journalist and Internet Safety advocate.
From
Australia
United States
Link
Safekids.com

11. Useful Resources (International)
Item
Details
“Thinkuknow” website
A website by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre UK, it aims to “make online parenting simple” by providing parenting tips and advice on supporting your children online.
Vodafone Digital Parenting
An e-magazine which is committed to giving parents the knowledge and support to help them and their families get the most out of technology, and deal with any challenges that might bring.
From
United Kingdom
Link