Scotland’s anti-bullying tsar has warned parents that they must teach their children “digital literacy” or they could be targeted by fellow pupils on social networks such as Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook.

Thousands of children will this week return to school after the summer break and many will be more vulnerable to online abuse during term time.

Katie Ferguson, director of Scotland’s Anti-Bullying Service respectme, has urged parents to keep a close watching brief on where their children go online, “in the same way we would if they were going to a physical place”.

The warning was echoed by the National Parent Forum of Scotland chair Joanna Murphy who said teachers can be “unwilling” to help because bullying is not taking place on school premises.

However, Larry Flannagan, the leader of teaching union the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), insisted teachers recognise that bullying can continue “well beyond the school gates” and this behaviour is “actively discouraged”.

Respectme director Katie Ferguson said more than half of young children are online eight hours a week and almost all teenagers can be online up to 21 hours a week, on average.

Writing exclusively for the Sunday Herald, Ferguson said a child's apparent "technological savviness" does not make them “digital natives”.

She said: “In reality, they need support to develop digital literacy skills; they need to learn how to navigate relationships and keep themselves safe online…We need to take an active interest in where young people go online, in the same way we would if they were going to a physical place.

“We need to know who they’re spending time with, and ensure safeguards are in place. This isn’t the same as prying into their digital life. Rather, it is about engaging with them and building trust, so that we are better placed to intervene, and young people are more likely to confide in us, if problems arise.”

Research carried out by respectme in 2014 found that 40 per cent of bullying had an element of online targeting and Ferguson said it is likely to be a growing issue.

“Children and young people reported that the impacts of bullying online and face-to-face bullying were the same – they felt angry, sad and upset,” Ferguson added. “Digital industry leaders, teachers, parents and carers; all of the adults in young people’s lives have an important role to play in preventing and addressing online bullying.”

Joanna Murphy, chair of the National Parent Forum of Scotland (NPFS), said many parents still don't understand the nuances of online bulliyng.

“This type of bullying makes it hard to understand what’s happening to your child and almost impossible to solve on your own,” she said.

“It’s difficult to find help from the usual channels and as the bullying isn’t taking place in school the school are usually unwilling to help. A family can feel isolated in trying to help their child.

“Respectme is a great place to get advice and the NPFS is happy to work with them and support them.”

EIS leader Larry Flanagan said: “Cyberbullying has become an increasing issue in schools and, like all bullying, can have a devastating impact on those affected.

“Not only does this type of bullying happen whilst at school but it can continue after school hours and well beyond the school gates.

“School policies should cover this specific form of bullying, supporting victims and dealing effectively with perpetrators. Maintaining a strong anti-bullying ethos which actively discourages prejudice-based bullying is essential, also.”

For more information, advice and access to free training opportunities, visit www.respectme.org.uk

SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD MAY BE EXPERIENCING BULLYING ONLINE

by Katie Ferguson, director of Scotland’s anti-bullying service, respectme

• They become quiet, anxious or easily upset

• There’s an increase in the number of notifications they receive on their phone

• They immediately delete notifications

• They start spending more or less time on their phone/laptop/gaming

• They ask for help to block accounts or delete posts

• They appear nervous or upset when they receive a notification on their phone

• They spend more time in their room or withdraw from social activities

ADVICE FOR YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT ONLINE BULLYING

Online relationships are no different from relationships offline. Treat people online with the same respect as we would if they were sitting in the same room; our online behaviour should mirror how we treat people day to day.

Be mindful of the fact that you are communicating differently. Without the benefit of being able to read gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice, online messages can be easy to misinterpret. What we mean to say and what people take from comments can be very different. Be aware of the potential impact comments could have.

If you wouldn’t say it, don’t send it. Often young people act in a different way online, underestimating how permanent online posts can be. A good rule is – if you wouldn’t say it to the person sitting in front of you; don’t say it to them online either.

Be mindful of your digital footprint. The online world is a public space and we all have a digital footprint within it. If our digital footprint gives others a bad impression it can have lasting consequences into later life when it comes to college, university and job applications.

Set the boundaries together. Coming up with a set of agreed boundaries or rules on how young people will use the internet can help keep channels of communication open and mitigate risks.