Dark Spaces of the Internet: Cyberbullying During Lockdown

ADvTECH Group • June 8, 2020

a sad girl in the dark looking at her phone

How to Handle Cyberbullying During Lockdown

“Cyber bullies can hide behind a mask of anonymity online, and do not need direct physical access to their victims to do unimaginable harm.” – Anna Marcia Chavez

With lockdown still a reality, students have been turning to the Internet to stay connected. As useful as the Internet is, not all children are aware of the dangers that the digital world imposes. What happens when innocent gestures like sharing one’s contact details leads to a traumatic case of cyberbullying? How can you help your child maintain an online social distance from cyber bullies? We’re here to guide you through it.

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online. Even though it can’t be physical violence, it can be detrimental to one’s mental health. Cyberbullying can easily occur on digital platforms through social media apps, texts and online gaming platforms.

Cyberbullying includes:

• Sending cruel, harsh or humiliating messages to someone.

• Forwarding embarrassing videos or photos to people.

• Sending unwanted sexual messages or images to people.

• Making abusive comments about someone. This includes homophobic, racist, transphobic or sexist remarks.

How Can I Help My Child If They're Experiencing Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying can be difficult to control, but with the right steps it can be tackled. If you become aware that your child is being cyberbullied, follow these four steps to help them deal with the problem.

1. Talk To Them And Listen To What They Have To Say

It’s important to remember not to patronise your child. Instead, make them feel as if the power is in their hands and that you’re there to support them every step of the way.

2.Collect Evidence And Access The Situation

Once your child shares their cyberbullying experience, it’s time to assess the situation and collect evidence. Keeping a record of all interactions with the perpetrator is vital. Be vigilant from the beginning. Ask your child to screenshot anything offensive. This will be your evidence when reporting cyberbullying cases to site administrators, teachers, principals and to the police.

3. Report And Block

Enough is enough. Immediately block the perpetrator and then report them to site administrators. Site administrators are there to help support and protect people from online abuse.

If the cyberbully goes to the same school as your child, then be sure to report the case to your child’s teacher and principle.

4. Make Sure They Feel Safe

Be sure to protect your child’s online presence. Ensuring that your child’s social media platforms have a high privacy setting is a priority. This will help keep your child in control of who they’re talking to and who has access to view their social profiles.

It’s important to keep in mind that whilst the internet imposes a dark side, there are ways to avoid it. Here are some pro tips on how you can help protect your child on social media. Follow this social media profile example to ensure that your child’s online presence is protected.

Standing side by side with your child during a traumatic experience such as cyberbullying will help make them feel safer. It will also allow them to have the courage to speak up about other issues that they may face. Together, you can take on and overcome any challenge.

Remember: “Being challenged in life is inevitable, but being defeated is optional” – Roger Crawford.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Helping your child make smart subject choices: a guide for South African parents

September 10, 2025

One of the most significant academic decisions your child will make in their school career is which subjects to select. For many South African families, it can feel like a daunting task filled with pressure, uncertainty, and long-term consequences. But with the right support, tools, and guidance, parents can help their children make well-informed decisions that set them up for future success, both academically and professionally. The foundation of good subject choices lies in understanding your child’s academic ability and current performance. Subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Accounting require solid results in Grade 9 and a strong grasp of key concepts. Similarly, subjects like Engineering Graphics & Design (EGD) or Visual Arts cater to students with practical and creative aptitudes. Consider your child’s learning style: do they prefer theory, or do they thrive with hands-on learning? Although, it is normal to want what’s best for your child’s future, you should not force them to live up to your ideal of success. Rather initiate conversations about possible careers or areas of interest and explore how different subjects align with those pathways. Platforms like YENZA Careers are incredibly helpful in this regard. YENZA uses psychometric assessments to offer realistic subject recommendations based on your child’s strengths, interests, and potential career matches, and it gives parents access to the results too. “Choosing the right subjects is a balance of academic ability, interest, and long-term thinking,” says Sumari Purdon , Head of Academics for Trinityhouse Schools. “We encourage families to use this opportunity to start meaningful conversations about the future, with support from tools like YENZA and input from educators who know the student well.”