With recent research showing half of young people in Australia have experienced cyber bullying or other hurtful online behaviour in their lifetime, it’s never been more important for families to say ‘no more’ and to learn the seven signs that your child is being targeted.
This year’s Do It For Dolly Day on Friday 14 May is seeing almost 500 schools, businesses and communities across the country embrace its messages to be kind, dress in blue and take a stand against bullying.
Dolly’s Mum, Kate, has called on all families this year to learn more about the signs of online bullying.
“We know that only about half of teens who’ve been online bullied tell their parents about it,” Kate says.
“Some teens hide their experiences of online bullying so well that their families have no idea anything is wrong. But many others show warning signs.
“This Do It For Dolly Day, Tick and I ask everyone to learn about the seven signs that your child is being bullied online.”
Meanwhile Tick, Dolly’s Dad, has urged everyone to say yes to kindness and no to bullying.
“We can all show compassion, tolerance, respect and sensitivity towards other people. When we feel empathy, we are less likely to bully others,” Tick says.
Psychologist Dr Charlotte Keating says if parents or carers suspect that bullying might be happening, to try and remain really calm.
“Try and get to the bottom of what is going on so that you are able to take the steps you need to either stop it from happening or take the evidence, report it, and block if need be,” Dr Keating says.