Nearly one in ten parents have never spoken to kids about online bullying
Nearly three in ten parents (28%) say their youngsters use apps such as Instagram or TikTok every day – but 38% are unaware of the online bullying risks associated with such platforms.
The same number of children, aged five to 18, use these apps multiple times a week – but 7%, of the 2,000 mums and dads polled, have never spoken to their kids about online bullying.
And while almost half (45%) have taken measures to ensure their child's online safety, 22% have not taken any such steps – either due to lacking knowledge, or a perceived lack of concern.
More than half of parents (53%) feel more concerned about bullying in real life, at their child's school, than online.
But this is despite 24% saying their child has been a victim of bullying, with 70% of those saying it has happened at least three times – and this has taken place either in person, or online.
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While some parents claim to have regular discussions with their youngsters about online bullying, 39% admit these conversations are infrequent.
Nearly three in ten kids use apps like TikTok, Instagram, or Roblox on a daily basis (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)And some of the most common effects of bullying on children include that they stop going to school (29%), or seeing their friends (28%).
Over a third (35%) of youngsters have hidden their feelings from their parents – with 19% of mums and dads feeling unsure as to whether their kids would tell them if they were a victim of bullying.
However, a confident 81% believe their youngster would inform them, if this were the case.
According to the study, commissioned by Find My Kids, which sought to understand how parents are tackling bullying in the digital age, 48% expressed concerns about their child's online safety.
The study, conducted via OnePoll, also delved into parental awareness of the signs of online bullying – as only 22% felt that they could confidently recognise the signs of bullying.
Vadikh Giniatulin, CEO of Find My Kids, said: “We understand that recognising the signs of online bullying can be challenging for parents.
“That’s why we allow parents to be aware of which apps their children are using and for how long, so that they can connect with their kids and have an open discussion about risks.”
In terms of preventive measures, the study found a significant number of parents had taken steps to protect their children from online bullying.
Of those who did act, 48% actively listened and offered support to their children.
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But just two in five parents have put restrictions on their kids' online activity (Getty Images)Taking it a step further, 39% restricted or monitored online activities, and 27% involved the school or relevant authorities.
However, 21% admitted they would simply let their child handle their own bullying issues, instead of getting involved.
The study also found 38% of parents were unsure about the potential impact of online bullying on their child's safety in real life.
However, the impact bullying has on parents is significant, with 16% admitting to feeling helpless, while 29% have felt anger.
Vadikh Giniatulin added: “Our mission at Find My Kids is to raise awareness around children’s safety in the digital world, and equip parents with the necessary tools and resources to ensure their children's safety in real life too.
“We are committed to empowering parents and providing them with the support they need to protect their children from such harmful experiences.”
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