In the digital age, bullying can follow children beyond the school gates. Hurtful messages, fake profiles, and humiliating posts can reach them at any hour, causing anxiety, withdrawal, and a drop in school performance. Knowing how to respond step by step can help you protect your child and stop the harm.

Start by hearing your child out. Reassure them they’re not to blame and that you’ll handle it together. Preserve proof by taking screenshots, saving messages, noting dates, and recording usernames or links.

Use in-app reporting tools on social media or messaging platforms to flag harassment, then block the offender. Lock down your child’s privacy settings to limit future contact.

Even if incidents happen off-campus, schools are obliged under the South African Schools Act to maintain a safe environment. Provide staff with your evidence, ask for their anti-bullying policy, and request written confirmation of your report.

If the bullying persists or is severe, the law offers several options. The Protection from Harassment Act lets you apply for a court order to stop contact. The Cybercrimes Act allows you to open a police case for harmful messages or images. The Films and Publications Act enables you to report harmful or sexual image sharing to the Film and Publication Board.

If the school does not act, approach the School Governing Body, the provincial education department, or the South African Human Rights Commission. Seek legal advice for serious harm. Meanwhile, support your child emotionally through encouraging offline activities, maintaining open communication, and considering professional counselling.

By moving from calm listening to evidence collection, platform reporting, school engagement, and legal escalation if necessary, you create a clear, path to protect your child while holding perpetrators accountable.