The theme of Anti-Bullying Week 2009 (16-20 November) is Stay Safe in Cyberspace. When it comes to cyberbullying, it is important to make sure children and young people learn how to use technology, such as mobile phones and the internet, safely and responsibly. Download our briefing for some practical ideas on how to respond to cyberbullying and prevent it happening in the first place.

If you suspect that your child is being bullied - perhaps by people in school or where they play or through messages sent by e-mail or mobile phone - you may spot one or more of these signs:

• showing stress - being moody, silent or crying, or bullying a younger sibling or friend
• making excuses to miss school, such as stomach complaints or headaches (or your child may be skipping school altogether)
• seems upset after using the internet or mobile, or changes their behaviour - for example, no longer wanting to look at new text messages immediately - and being secretive and unwilling to talk about their online activities and phone use
• is withdrawn in their behaviour
• has more bruises or scrapes than usual
• changes their eating habits
• has torn clothes, school things that are broken or missing, or have 'lost' money
• sleeps badly
• if young, begins wetting the bed

There could, of course, be a number of reasons for this behaviour.  So you need to ask yourself:

• could there be anything else bothering your child?
• are there are changes in your family life, such as: a new baby, or divorce or separation?

If you are concerned about your child you can contact one of the organisations listed below for support and advice:

Parentline Plus: 0808 800 2222
Immediate support and advice for parents, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Kidscape: 08451 205 204
A helpline for parents and carers of bullied children 10am to 4pm Monday–Friday.

Advisory Centre for Education: 0808 800 5793
Advice for parents and children on all school matters.

Children's Legal Centre: 01206 873820
Free legal advice on all aspects of the law affecting children and young people.

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP)
Provides help and advice on cyberbullying, the Centre maintains a website for children and young people, and parents and carers about staying safe online.