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Prevent Bullying

Click here to find out how you can block bullying messsages on your mobile phone.

A mobile phone can be a great communications and safety tool for children. The trouble is, bullies sometimes use them to send threatening text messages, unpleasant pictures or make malicious calls. They can also use them to spread malicious texts about their victims.

We understand that receiving nuisance calls and text messages can be very upsetting. The good news is, help is available, and there are a lot of measures which children can take to protect themselves. In this section you’ll find practical information on what you can do to help your child, as well as useful tips on preventing text bullying, which you can pass on to your children

What to do if your child is affected by bullying

Step 1: The first thing you may wish to do is get their school involved. If it’s more serious, you can also get the Gardai involved at this stage.

Step 2: Call us. We can give you practical advice which may include changing the mobile number, which we’ll do free of charge if it’s the first time.
 

Advice for children worried about text bullying

  • Be careful who you give your number to and make a note when you give it to someone new
  • Don’t leave your mobile unattended
  • Don’t reply to messages you don’t like, but make sure you show them to someone you trust
  • Keep a note of the times and dates of abusive messages. Always tell a parent, teacher or the Gardai
  • Don’t send a message to someone when you are upset - wait until you have calmed down and had time to think
  • Turn your phone off sometimes; it needn’t be switched on all the time
  • If bullying gets out of control, you can call us and ask for a new phone number. We’ll be able to offer more advice on this

 

Advice for children worried about abusive calls:

  • Keep calm. Malicious callers want to upset you, so showing no emotion might put them off
  • When you answer, just say "Hello" and don’t give them any extra information such as your name or number
  • Let callers identify themselves first and if you don’t recognise the number or it’s withheld, you can reject the call
  • Don’t leave your name on your voicemail because bullies will know who they’re calling
  • If the phone rings again, don't say anything when you answer it. A genuine caller will speak first.
  • Don't talk to malicious callers. Put the phone down and ignore them for a few minutes before hanging up. This wastes the caller’s time and money and can put them off

 

Cyberbullying

For more information on cyberbullying, check out the latest Get With It - Guide to Cyberbullying.

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