What is the healthiest way to comfort a child who bursts into tears after cyberbullying? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child breaks down in tears as a result of cyberbullying, a parent’s first response is critically important. In that moment, the child feels exposed, humiliated, and deeply vulnerable. It is essential that comfort comes before any form of correction or problem-solving. Showing empathy and creating a sense of safety is what will help the child to begin to recover emotionally and to trust their parents enough to share what has happened. 

Offer Immediate Reassurance 

The first step is to sit close to them, offer a comforting embrace if they are receptive to it, and give them simple, powerful reassurance: ‘I am so sorry this has happened to you. You are safe here with us, and nothing that anyone says can change your worth.’ This initial response grounds the child in security before you move on to discussing solutions. 

Validate Their Feelings 

It is important to avoid dismissive phrases like, ‘Just ignore them.’ Instead, you should acknowledge the reality of their pain: ‘It makes perfect sense that you feel so hurt. Words, even online, can feel very heavy and cruel.’ This helps the child to feel understood and seen in their moment of distress. 

Shift Blame Away From the Victim 

Gently but clearly remind them that being bullied is not their fault. Explain that the cruelty of others is a reflection of the bully’s own character, not a measure of your child’s value. This is a crucial step in preventing feelings of self-blame from taking root in their mind. 

Encourage Healthy Expression 

Allow your child the space to express their emotions. This may mean letting them cry, talk about what happened, or even just sit in silence for a while. The most important thing is for you to show them your patient and loving presence, making it clear that they do not have to face this pain alone. 

Once the child is calmer, you can begin to discuss practical next steps, such as reporting the behaviour, blocking the individuals involved, or adjusting their privacy settings, but this must always come after their emotional needs have been met. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that the dignity of every believer is sacred, and that any unjust words or actions directed at them are a form of oppression (zulm). Comforting a child who is in distress is therefore not just a parental duty, but a profound act of mercy that is greatly valued by Allah Almighty. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verses 11: 

‘ Those of you who are believers, do not let a nation ridicule another nation, as perhaps it may be that they are better than them; and let not the women (ridicule) other women, as perhaps they may be better than them; and do not insult each other; and do not call each other by (offensive) nicknames…’ 

This verse is a powerful reminder that mockery and humiliation are forbidden in Islam. It can be shared with a child to show them that their worth is not diminished by the cruelty of others, which is itself a sin. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 1930, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter.’ 

This teaching shows that the act of comforting a child in their moment of pain is not only an expression of love, but also a deeply rewarded deed in the sight of Allah. 

By offering your child compassion that is rooted in these faith principles, you can help them to see that their tears are not a sign of weakness, but are a moment where Allah’s mercy and the protection of their family can come together to help them heal. Over time, this helps a child to learn that their true dignity rests not in the opinions of others online, but in their honour with Allah Almighty.