Cyberbullying — what you need to know before you give your child a smartphone

Is your child on Snapchat, Instagram or Facebook? Ninety-one per cent of Australian teenagers use social media. And it has changed everything you know about how kids bully each other. Bullies used to torment their victims in the schoolyard. Now they can reach your kids any time of the day or night. They can even use anonymous accounts on platforms you’ve never even heard of. So how do you keep your tweens and teens safe from the mean kids and what do you do if they’re bullied online? Maggie Dent talks with Rachel Downie, founder of the website Stymie which supports kids and students being bullied online. WARNING: This episode includes strong language and discussions of youth suicide and self-harm. For more information or support contact: Lifeline 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Parentline 1300 30 1300 https://www.parentline.com.au/ Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 https://kidshelpline.com.au/ Make an anonymous notification about a student being bullied or harmed https://stymie.com.au/

Om Podcasten

Being a parent is tough. Social media is bombarding us with opinions — on our kids screen time, on their education, on their friendships, on their behaviour — and somehow, we are always doing it wrong! Don’t you just wish you could turn it all off and listen to some good old-fashion, sensible advice? Parental As Anything is the podcast that gives you practical, supportive, advice from two real-world parenting experts. Beloved Australian parenting author and educator Maggie Dent and teen-parenting whisperer Bec Sparrow share wisdom and experience that comes from years of working with parents, kids and teens. With seven seasons of practical advice and helpful tips, Parental As Anything is here to help find solutions to the challenges that parents face everyday. No trends. No judgement.