Cyberbullying is an issue that is on the rise, thanks to technological advances that make it possible to communicate easily without the need of face-to-face interactions. The impact of cyberbullying has been shown to be especially devastating to young people but a new study has found that families meals could help protect kids and teens from these harmful effects.

Bullying in all forms has been shown to coincide with increases in substance abuse, depression, anxiety, self harm and suicidal thoughts or actions. According to this study, published in JAMA Pediatrics on Sept. 1, mental health issues are up to 4.5 times more likely to occur when a child is faced with cyberbullying than with other kinds of bullying.

The study surveyed over 20,000 adolescent-age children on their experiences with cyberbullying, face-to-face bullying and the variety of mental health problems associated with bullying. Researchers then analyzed how regular dinners with the family might impact these experiences.

They found that children who ate meals with their families often were experiencing fewer mental health effects from cyberbullying incidents. Researchers claim that the added social support and the access to open communication could be helpful in preventing the development of mental health problems resulting from abusive interactions online.

The study also noted that this support could be garnered from other daily interactions, such as commutes to school. They specified that the meals themselves might not be what is producing the protective effect.

Parents will find it difficult to monitor every interaction their children have online and often must look for signs of the abuse in changes in their child’s behavior. Experts say that concerns should be raised if a child exhibits extreme behavioral or emotional changes, such as becoming withdrawn or evasive when questioned, or if the child gets upset after being online or using a technological device. It is recommended that parents who suspect their child is a victim of bullying should intervene by talking to the child, calling the school or setting up appointments with medical or mental health professionals.