Cyberbullying Against Children: Key Risks and Advice for Parents

Platforms designed to encourage positive interaction can also create spaces filled with risks and negative effects—especially for younger users. Research conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina shows that every second child under the age of 11 has a profile on at least one social media platform, and children’s online activity continues to grow every day.

The use of mobile devices at an early age has been linked to a range of developmental issues, including motor skill challenges and speech-related difficulties. As reports and statistics on cyberbullying continue to rise, they also highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect the mental and emotional well-being of children, both in early childhood and adolescence.

In this blog post, we explore some of the most high-risk forms of cyberbullying affecting children, highlight the importance of education and safe online practices, and bring together key advice for parents along with tools for monitoring children in the online environment.

Cyberbullying

There are many definitions of cyberbullying. In general, it refers to any form of unacceptable behavior—such as intimidation, harassment, or harm—carried out through digital communication, content, or misuse of online platforms for purposes that are neither socially nor morally acceptable.

As a specific form of violence against children, cyberbullying takes place online, through social networks or other interactive platforms, and can occur 24 hours a day.

At its core, cyberbullying is the intentional and repeated use of digital platforms by individuals or groups to harass, traumatize, exclude, or violate the privacy and safety of others, regardless of their age or background.

Many perpetrators use anonymous or temporary accounts to hide their identity, making them harder to identify and hold accountable.

Tactics range from direct harassment and threats to more subtle but equally harmful actions, such as exclusion from online groups or impersonation. Recognizing different forms of cyberbullying and understanding how they appear is the first step toward preventing and addressing them.

Cyber Grooming

Another serious form of online abuse is cyber grooming, which often leads to more severe child sexual exploitation. Cyber grooming happens when an adult uses online contact to build trust or an emotional bond with a minor or another vulnerable person, with the intent to exploit, abuse, traffic, or otherwise harm them.

Digital platforms such as social media, online gaming chats, messaging apps, and forums are commonly used for cyber grooming. Attackers gradually manipulate victims and gain control over them. The anonymity and accessibility of digital technology allow perpetrators to reach a large number of children at the same time, significantly increasing the number of grooming cases.

Psychological tactics used by cyber groomers typically unfold in stages. They often target children who appear emotionally vulnerable, lack self-confidence, or face difficulties at home.

Over time, groomers invest effort in building trust by showing empathy, offering attention, and expressing shared interests. Communication is kept secret, often moving quickly to private chats.

Exploitation begins when conversations become more explicit and requests are made for photos, videos, or in-person meetings. If the child resists, manipulation, threats, and blackmail are commonly used.

While the grooming process itself can happen quickly, its negative impact on victims can be long-lasting.

Promoting Safe and Responsible Online Behavior

Online safety is a shared responsibility across all levels of society, including public and private sectors, and requires coordinated action. However, educators and parents play a crucial role through active involvement and critical thinking that helps children avoid scams and online abuse.

Continuous investment in digital literacy and skills related to privacy and identity protection—through educational materials, training sessions, and workshops—helps prevent cyberbullying and online fraud, as well as reduce their consequences.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is currently no specific legal framework that directly sanctions all forms of cyberbullying, although many initiatives exist.

Parents themselves often need support in ensuring both their own and their children’s safety online. This is why awareness campaigns are essential—they remind us of online risks and show practical ways to stay protected.

Every February, Safer Internet Day is marked in more than 170 countries, with activities focused on promoting responsible, safe, and positive use of digital technologies among children and young people. As a socially responsible company, LANACO, together with its partners, organizes activities each year under the campaign “How to Stay Safe Online”.

Key Messages and Advice for Protecting Children from Cyberbullying

Open communication with children is essential
Parents, guardians, and educators should encourage children to talk about any unusual or uncomfortable online interactions.

Teach children about online risks

Talk openly with children about potential dangers online. Emphasize trust and make sure they know they can always turn to you for help if something online feels wrong.

Privacy settings

Privacy settings are crucial. Teach children how to use stricter privacy controls, block suspicious users, and report inappropriate behavior. Share essential online safety practices: don’t post personal information, update passwords regularly, and download content only from trusted sources.

Monitor online activity and communication

Requests for secrecy, demands for personal or sexual photos, or rapid attempts to build intimacy are clear warning signs. Children often download games, apps, or files without checking their sources—pay attention to what is installed on their devices.

Listen without judgment and guide toward solutions

If a child becomes withdrawn, anxious, secretive, or overly focused on online activities, it may signal a problem. If you suspect cyberbullying, it is important to contact a school psychologist, therapist, or the police. Support hotlines and reporting services also exist. UNICEF launched Blue Phone, a free counseling helpline aimed at preventing more serious consequences through professional support.

Best Parental Control Apps and Online Protection Measures

Parents are the first line of defense. Security settings and monitoring tools that help control online activity and filter content are examples of good practice.

Using the internet together—for example, searching for information or watching educational content—can help parents better understand potential risks. Parental control apps help protect children regardless of the device they use, allowing parents to monitor online activity.

Millions of users worldwide rely on such apps to create a safer online environment for children. Kaspersky Safe Kids offers a full range of features in both free and paid versions, and its widespread use and awards support its effectiveness.

With Kaspersky Safe Kids, parents can monitor digital activity, track screen time, and receive alerts about concerning behavior. Content blocking is especially useful for younger children, helping protect them from harmful or inappropriate material.

Web filters and safe search features prevent access to certain websites and apps, while hiding unsuitable content. Unsupervised access to large video platforms can easily expose children to harmful material. Activity monitoring through web and app reports, YouTube reports, and age-appropriate settings helps ensure proper parental supervision.

Conclusion

Globally, cyberbullying is considered one of the biggest concerns related to online safety. In all its forms, it can deeply affect the lives of young people and their families. It is both a health and human rights issue, and there is a shared moral responsibility to protect children from harm—both online and offline.

Online safety requires coordinated action across society, from governments and institutions to technology companies, schools, and families. However, parents and educators play a key role in everyday prevention through ongoing education, open communication, awareness of threats, and developing critical thinking skills in children and young people. Research shows that children who receive strong emotional and educational support from parents and teachers are more resilient to online risks.

If you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying, consider seeking help from a friend, family member, counselor, or another professional. Report harmful content on the platform where it appears, and contact local authorities if threats escalate.