My child is being bullied online through messages and social media. How do I help him?

Cyberbullying hurts because it follows the child into the home through the screen, so your child needs to know he is not alone. Listen first without belittling his feelings or immediately telling him to ‘just ignore it’. Keep screenshots as evidence, block and report the bullies on the platform concerned, and inform the school if it involves classmates. Assure your child that he is not at fault and that his worth is not decided by other people's nasty words. Watch the emotional effects; if he becomes depressed, withdrawn or loses interest, get help from a counsellor. Also teach your child not to retaliate with the same nastiness. See mental health.