Whether in the form of trolling, distasteful comments on pictures, threats, harassment, or other harmful behaviours, cyberbullying has become a trend.

Dr Pavan Duggal, a renowned cybersecurity expert, in a podcast with The Better India co-founder Dhimant Parekh, addressed cyberbullying, saying that there should be a minimum age for children to access the internet. But this proves to be difficult.

“Children are getting indoctrinated and intoxicated with technology,” he said, adding that parents should sensitise them to it while introducing them to the internet ecosystem.

“In fact, cyber law education and AI (artificial intelligence) should be inculcated in school curriculums right from Class 1,” Dr Duggal emphasised.

Here are some ways to help your child stay safe in the Internet age:

1) Encourage adolescents to share their experiences with a trusted adult:  Parents and educators should maintain open communication to address any concerns or issues they may encounter.

2) Document everything, and keep records of the bullying incidents:  This will come in use later to report the problem and seek corrective action.

3) Guide your adolescent in adjusting their privacy settings on social media accounts:  Several social media platforms now offer reporting tools to flag harmful content. Schools can provide resources for reporting incidents.

4) Monitor online activity:  While respecting privacy, parents can keep track of their children's online behaviour, particularly if they're concerned about cyberbullying.

5) Encourage bystander intervention:  Encourage peers to take action when they witness bullying online. They can report incidents, support victims, or intervene safely and constructively.

6) Use filtering and blocking tools:  Promote the use of apps or software that enable teens to block harmful content and unwanted contacts. Social media platforms should implement strong filtering tools to eliminate offensive comments and harassment.