Better Internet for Kids

Background

Cyberbullying remains one of the top online safety concerns across Europe. Across Safer Internet Centre helplines, cyberbullying accounted for 15 per cent of the 57,000 calls received in 2025. Additionally, the EU estimates indicate that one in six children aged 11–15 have experienced cyberbullying, while roughly 1 in 8 admit to engaging in cyberbullying behaviours. Despite these alarming statistics, schools and organisations consistently struggle with parental outreach. The parents who attend workshops or seek resources are usually those already proactive in managing digital risks, leaving a significant gap in reaching the most vulnerable or "hard-to-reach" families.  

What parents and caregivers need

Parents across Europe consistently state that their first step when an incident occurs is to talk calmly with their child, avoid immediate knee-jerk device bans or punishment, and preserve digital evidence (such as screenshots). They expect to work in partnership with schools and external experts. Parents and caregivers want practical, concrete guidance rather than abstract warnings. Specifically, they seek advice on recognising warning signs, starting difficult conversations, navigating current digital trends/apps, setting privacy controls, and reporting content effectively. 

Strategies and good practices for schools and educators

To build effective partnerships with families, schools are encouraged to move away from theoretical lectures toward interactive, student-centered, and multi-channel approaches:

• Student-led engagement: involving pupils directly in educating parents, such as having students lead workshops, present role-plays, or showcase digital citizenship projects, dramatically increases parental attendance and engagement.
• Integrated, multi-channel outreach: rather than hosting standalone lectures during work hours, schools succeed by incorporating short activities into events parents already attend (such as exhibitions or report-card pick-up days) and offering flexible contact methods (phone consultations, short visual guides, or messaging groups).
• Scenario-based workshops and family agreements: practical exercises, like analysing anonymised screenshots to determine when teasing turns into bullying, or creating a joint "digital family agreement" at home, help families establish clear digital boundaries without feeling judged.
• Structured anti-cyberbullying protocols: clear, visible school policies and designated report recipients give parents and caregivers confidence that reported incidents will be handled with expert care and privacy.  

Overcoming barriers with the "hard-to-reach" parents and caregivers

Low participation rarely stems from a lack of care, but rather from practical, structural, or emotional barriers:

• Time constraints: addressed by offering flexible meeting times, weekend events, on-demand video summaries, or short visual checklists.
• Fear of judgment or shame: reduced by using non-judgmental, empathetic communication, focusing on student strengths, and offering confidential helplines or advice routes.
• Digital confidence gaps: overcome by reassuring parents that technical expertise is not required - active listening, emotional support, and open communication matter far more.
• Language and cultural barriers: solved through collaboration with community organisations, mother-tongue teachers, and multilingual/accessible resources. 

The good practice guide emphasises moving away from fearful lectures toward student-led workshops, practical scenario-based exercises, and joint parent-child activities. To overcome barriers like limited time, digital intimidation, or fear of judgment, the guide calls for multi-channel communication, empathetic outreach, and clear school protocols. Ultimately, it frames online safety as a shared community responsibility requiring continuous, trust-based collaboration.

Read and download the GPG on the BIK portal.

Explore other good practice guides on the BIK portal