The modern art of bullying

As they absorb the bullies’ words, their self-esteem plummets and their self-loathing grows. They begin self-harming in an effort to replace the emotional pain with a physical form that is easier to understand and repair. They develop eating disorders in an effort to improve their outward appearance and make themselves more acceptable. Or, in the worst possible outcome, they become so utterly lost and miserable that they take their own life - an option favoured by three Australian children every week.

How to address online bullying

• Don’t engage with the bully online or let them know you are upset
• Focus on strengthening your relationships offline
• Limit the amount of time you spend online
• Engage in offline activities you enjoy and are good at
• Take a screenshot of any bullying behaviour and show it to a trusted adult
• Report the bullying to someone you trust

Schoolyard bullying is inevitable. Humans will always compete for power and the easiest way to gain it is to belittle those around you. Some would even argue that it is a necessary part of our education, making us broad-shouldered and resilient and preparing us for the similar environment of the workplace and society in general.

But there is an enormous difference between schoolyard bullying and the relentless, open slather forum presented by the digital world.

No adult has the mental capacity and emotional intelligence to deal with this level of public attack, let alone children whose pre-frontal cortex is simply not developed enough to regulate their emotions or responses to such an emotional onslaught.

As children grow and establish their identity, they need to do so in a safe and protected environment, trusting that their inevitable stumbles and mistakes won’t be broadcast to and commented on by the whole world.

They need to know that they are loved and accepted no matter their appearance, intellect, religion, sexual orientation or their ability.

And they need to know that when things go wrong, there will be someone in their corner to help them navigate the situation unscathed.