Parents as protectors, how to build digital armour against cyberbullying
Growing up, I knew the sting of bullying all too well. As a child who moved back to the UK with a melodic blend of American and Caribbean accents, I felt like a walking target. My chemistry teacher once singled me out in front of the class, not for my work, but for the way I spoke, a moment that etched insecurity into my young heart. Classmates followed suit, their whispers and jabs making me feel like an outsider.
Yet, amidst the hurt, I found solace in an unexpected place: karate. It taught me strength, discipline, and the quiet power of resilience. Little did I know, those early lessons would become the foundation for navigating a far more complex battleground—the digital world.
Today, our children face a challenge we never did: online bullying. Unlike the schoolyard taunts that faded at the school gates, digital cruelty can follow them everywhere—through screens, into bedrooms, and across continents. As a parent and someone who’s walked the rocky path of being labelled “different,” I’m determined to ensure our kids don’t just survive this digital age, but thrive in it.
Building bridges is not about walls but a holistic approach
Protecting our children isn’t about policing their every click or shutting down their online worlds. It’s about equipping them—and ourselves—with tools to foster resilience, empathy, and open dialogue.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
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Listen, share listen
Create a safe space where your child feels heard, not judged. Share your own stories of overcoming adversity (yes, even the messy parts!). When I finally opened up about my school experiences, it wasn’t just cathartic, it showed my children that vulnerability is courage in disguise -
Digital savvy starts at home
Teach them to navigate the online world as you would a bustling city: recognise safe spaces, avoid dark alleys, and never engage with strangers hurling insults. Role-play scenarios together. “What would you do if someone sent that hurtful comment?” Practice responses that are assertive, not aggressive -
Cultivate unshakable self-worth
Just as karate taught me to stand tall, help your child find their “anchor” whether it’s art, sport, music, or writing. Confidence built offline becomes armour online. Celebrate their quirks; what makes them “different” today might be their superpower tomorrow -
It takes a village
Schools, grandparents, friends—bullying thrives in silence, but wilts under collective action. Encourage schools to adopt anti-bullying programmes that address both online and offline behaviour. Share resources (like the ones I wish my elders had!) that foster empathy, like books or films exploring diverse perspectives.
A tool for hope in troubled times
This mission is deeply personal, and it’s why I wrote SWIPE a guide to nurturing peace in the digital age. Drawing from my journey and research, it offers a holistic roadmap to reduce secrecy, self-blame, and the isolation that fuels despair. From practical scripts for tough conversations to mindfulness exercises that calm anxious minds, it’s the toolkit I longed for as a child, and the one today’s parents deserve.
The light ahead
Yes, the digital world can be harsh. But it’s also a place of connection, creativity, and boundless possibility. By teaching our children to navigate it with kindness (to themselves and others), we’re not just shielding them, we’re empowering a generation to rewrite the story.
To every parent feeling overwhelmed: You’re not alone. To every child who’s ever felt small: Your voice matters. Together, we can turn the tide, one click, one conversation, one act of courage at a time.
Nicola Millington
SWIPE Mastering the art of handling trolls and protecting your peace
