#1288 [Parental Guidance Episode 1] Online Bullying: How Do We Keep Our Kids Safe?

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

It’s confronting. It’s heartbreaking. And it’s happening every day.
Australia ranks among the highest in the world for online bullying—and too many parents feel powerless to stop it. In this episode, Justin and Kylie recap the raw and eye-opening online bullying challenge from Parental Guidance Season 3. They’re joined by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, who shares the harsh realities—and practical solutions—for families. From shocking in-game bullying to vital conversations every family should be having, this is an essential listen for every parent navigating the digital world with their kids.

KEY POINTS:

• Australia has the second-highest rates of reported online bullying globally—after the U.S.
• The Parental Guidance challenge exposed how confronting online bullying can be for both children and parents.
• Many children don’t realise how harmful their words can be online.
• Cyberbullying often happens within school communities, not just with strangers.
• The anonymity of screens makes hurtful behaviour easier for some children.
• Julie Inman Grant (eSafety Commissioner) highlights that 1 in 5 Aussie kids experience cyberbullying.
• Critical advice includes: monitor online activity, keep screens out of bedrooms and bathrooms, and have regular, open conversations.
• Teach kids to block, report, and escalate harmful behaviour.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:

“Talk early and talk often. This is not a one-off conversation—it’s an ongoing part of parenting in the digital age.”
– Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• eSafety Commissioner: https://www.esafety.gov.au – for reporting cyberbullying and accessing resources.
• Parental Guidance on 9Now – to watch the full episode and share with your family.
• Happy Families: https://www.happyfamilies.com.au – for parenting resources, courses, and support.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

1. Monitor & Supervise: Know what your kids are doing online. Familiarise yourself with the games, apps, and chat platforms they use.
2. Keep Screens Out of Bedrooms/Bathrooms: These are the places where harm often escalates—whether it’s exploitation or cyberbullying.
3. Teach Block & Report: Empower your kids to block bullies and report harmful behaviour quickly and confidently.
4. Talk Early, Talk Often: Start conversations about online behaviour when your kids are young—and keep them going as they grow.
5. Escalate if Needed: If the bullying continues, report it to the platform, the school, the eSafety Commissioner, or even law enforcement when necessary.
6. Model Healthy Tech Use: Show your kids what respectful online interactions look like—and when it’s okay to disconnect.

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