This day was established by the UN and has been celebrated on May 15th since 1993 and this year's theme is “Families and new technologies”.

There are new digital innovations made all the time and the pace increases: online tools, social media, games, and platforms for everything imagined possible. We use these kinds of innovations every day and follow up on the mega trends that come and go. Families are struggling to keep up with the pace, especially adults. Do we have enough information about the platforms used, what can be shared and who the children are sharing it for? We don’t have much information on the impact of our new and changing digital technology.

On International Family Day, IFM-SEI would like to address challenges that families are facing in regards the new technologies, we would like to tackle Cyberbullying as we would not be able to celebrate all different families when we are aware that Cyberbullying is a challenge faced by families in all of their different shapes.

Cyberbullying is one thing that has risen up and is increasingly getting more common. Do we know how to identify what cyberbullying is and how to intervene and stop it?

Cyberbullying is bullying using digital technologies, it can take place on any digital platform. It is repeated behaviour, aimed to harm the target person. For example: spreading lies or posting embarrassing photos of someone without their permission, sending hurtful messages or threats and impersonating someone and sending messages to others on their behalf. Cyberbullying leaves a digital footprint, it’s a record that can provide evidence to help stop the bullying.

When a child is facing cyberbullying: tell it to your parent, your guardian, caretaker, or any other trusted adult. This might not be easy, and they might not have instant answers or might not be as familiar with technology as you are, but together you can find a solution. This is the first and most important step.

Tools to use: each platform offers different ways to restrict who can comment or view your posts, there are also ways to report in cases of bullying. Technology companies also have a responsibility to protect their users, especially children and young people, for example setting an age limit for users. There are many online platforms or sites that provide educational tools and guidance for children, parents, guardians, and educators to learn about risks and ways to stay safe online.

IFM-SEI encourages families to be open about the digital platforms used and to learn how to use them.

IFM-SEI encourages families to speak about cyberbullying, how to identify it, what should be done and its effects.

IFM-SEI encourages everyone to intervene to bullying

IFM-SEI demands decision makers to make responsive policies to tackle the effects of digital technologies especially on children and provide mechanism for families to deal with new technologies.