Cyberbullying is a growing concern in today’s digital world, where access to an internet connection can open the door to potential harm. Unlike traditional bullying, which happens face-to-face, cyberbullying can follow kids home – where children and adolescents expect to be safe – and persist around the clock.
Research shows that nearly half of U.S. teens have been bullied or harassed online, with physical appearance being seen as a relatively common reason why. Due to its increase in frequency and scope, cyberbullying is a serious threat to the well-being of children and adolescents.
Temporary email accounts, pseudonyms in chat rooms, anonymous messaging apps, and hidden identities on social media make it extremely difficult for adolescents to know who is targeting them. These tools allow aggressors to remain virtually invisible, amplifying fear, confusion, and vulnerability for young people.
What Is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is willful and repeated harm (i.e., harassing, humiliating, or threatening text or images) inflicted through the Internet, interactive technologies, or mobile phones.
Children and teens cyberbully for a variety of reasons, often tied to social dynamics or personal struggles. Some do it to gain power, control, or popularity, while others are influenced by peers who encourage or reward the behavior. In certain cases, cyberbullying is an act of retaliation or a way to cope with their own insecurity or low self-esteem.
The anonymity of the internet can also make it easier for kids to act out without immediately facing consequences, and some see it simply as entertainment or a joke, not realizing the serious harm it causes. Ultimately, cyberbullying is often less about the victim and more about the bully’s own need for attention, acceptance, or control.
Cyberbullying Tactics
Doxing: revealing sensitive or secret personal information to harass or expose the intended victim
Gossip/Rumor Spreading: Sharing information (hurtful or humiliating remarks, stories, or gossip) to damage a person’s reputation/relationships
Exclusion: Deliberately excluding someone from an online conversations, groups or events to hurt their feelings
Impersonation: Masquerading or creating an online presence in someone else’s name/account in an effort to solicit or post personal or false information about that person
Harassment: Repeatedly posting or sending offensive, rude, and insulting messages on websites/social media and gaming platforms/blogs, or by messaging/texts
Cyberstalking: the use of the internet, or other electronic means, to harass and intimidate a selected victim
Flaming: Online fights where scornful and offensive messages are posted on websites, platforms forums, or blogs
Outing and Trickery: Tricking someone into revealing secrets or embarrassing information, which is then shared online
Cyberthreats: Remarks or distressing material threatening or implying violent behavior to create significant fear
Revenge Porn/Sextortion: nonconsensual distribution of intimate images and sexual extortion
Cyberbullying can take a serious toll on children and teens. Its impact may be emotional, social, academic, and even physical. Below are some of the most common effects to watch for:
Emotional & Psychological
- Feelings of humiliation, embarrassment, anger, or powerlessness
- Lowered self-esteem and self-worth
- Depression or heightened anxiety
- Shame or guilt, even when not at fault
- Chronic stress or constant fear of future attacks
- Hypervigilance — feeling “on edge” and unsafe online or offline
Academic & Cognitive
- Declining grades or sudden drop in school performance
- Trouble focusing or paying attention in class
- Skipping school or expressing fear of attending
- Reduced participation in class or extracurriculars
Physical Health
- Sleep problems (insomnia, nightmares, excessive sleeping)
- Changes in eating patterns (overeating or loss of appetite)
- Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or stress-related illness
- Weakened immune system from chronic stress
- Self-harm behaviors or suicide-related thoughts and actions
A warning to parents:
A recent Common Sense Media study found that 72% of U.S. teens have used AI tools like ChatGPT as companions, with more than half using them regularly. Mental health experts warn this trend blurs the line between support and therapy, since AI lacks the human emotions and judgment needed for real guidance. It should not be used as a replacement for therapy!
Plan:
Talking to a parent about sensitive or stressful topics isn’t always easy for children and teens. Therefore, it’s helpful to engage in ongoing, open and honest conversations with your child so they feel comfortable enough to open up to you if they are being bullied online. Plus, these communications will help your child to recognize possible signs if they (or another child) is being cyberbulled.
Bullying isn’t just unkind behavior—it can affect a child’s self-image, relationships, and even their future. That’s why the conversations you have with them matter, whether they’re a victim, bystander, or even the bully.
Conversation Starters:
- What kinds of things do kids your age see online that you think aren’t okay?
- How do you know if something posted about someone has gone too far?
- If you saw a friend being picked on or humiliated online, what would you want to do?
- What kind of information do you consider safe? Unsafe?
- Have you posted anything that you wouldn’t want your grandmother (or a loved one) to see? What messages do your pictures and postings portray?
- Have you ever said/posted anything online you wish you could take back?
- Do you treat people differently online than you do offline? Has anyone ever hurt your feelings by anything they posted about you online?
- Who would you feel comfortable talking to if someone made you uncomfortable online?
- Have you ever regretted posting or sharing an image or video of anyone online?
Prevent: Rules ‘N Tools:
Cyberbullying-specific Prevention Strategies:
- Encourage open communication — let kids know they can talk to you if they feel uncomfortable or threatened online.
- Watch for warning signs — changes in behavior, mood, reluctance to use devices, or avoidance of school.
- Teach children to protect personal information and be mindful of what they post online.
- Remind them that bullying reflects the bully’s problem, not theirs.
- Reinforce that they don’t have to tolerate intimidation, threats, or harassment online.
- Encourage ignoring bullies — attention fuels their behavior.
- Use parental controls (including blocking tools and privacy settings) to prevent contact with bullies.
THE TEN "Rules ‘N Tools®" FOR CHILD ONLINE SAFETY
Offensive and defensive strategies designed to protect the innocence and safety of children in the digital world.
Implementing both Safety "Rules" and Software "Tools" on all digital devices, online platforms and services used by your child will help to ensure a safer online experience for them, and peace of mind for you. One without the other is ineffective.
"Rules" A Parent’s Offensive Strategy (Non-technical measures)
- Communicate often about online privacy and safety with your child:
- Talk regularly about online activities and stay engaged and involved; build an atmosphere of trust early on.
- Encourage them to think before they post and avoid sharing personally identifiable information (PII) including date of birth, address, full name, school, or other information that can be used to identify and track down a child.
- Instruct them to never send or share explicit images or messages.
- Teach them to avoid meeting in person with someone they only met online because they cannot recognize a disguised predator.
- Direct them to use safe search engines and cybersecurity protections.
- Require parental permission before using third-party apps as many access private information and profiles.
- Warn then about the very real dangers about online predators, traffickers and grooming tactics. Recognize red flags and avoid anyone who attempts to move conversations to unmonitored platforms, private spaces, text and email.
- Use privacy settings on all social media and gaming platforms and block strangers.
- Instruct them to report any inappropriate or threatening messages or requests to social media or gaming platforms, or to authorities if necessary. Tell a parent immediately.
- Supervise your child’s online activities:
- Ensure your child feels safe discussing anything they encounter without fear of parent overreaction. Be a trusted adult. Remind them that no conversation is off limits.
- Consider delaying access to internet-enabled devices until you are certain your child can demonstrate responsible digital habits and the maturity to use and manage technology appropriately.
- Approve all apps, games and platforms your child uses.
- Friend/follow your child’s accounts and know their usernames, passwords and login details on all devices.
- Monitor posts, photos/videos, browser history, messaging and location sharing settings.
- Teach your child digital etiquette:
- Practice the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
- Avoid harmful bullying, gossip or hurtful posts; there are no “take backs”.
- Respect others’ privacy and avoid sharing embarrassing content.
- If you see something, say something. If you believe someone you know is in harm's way, tell a trusted adult.
- Teach your child responsible device and technology use:
- Follow family technology rules at home and away. Maintain full transparency about texts, messages and apps, avoid “hiding” online activities.
- Create online accounts and adjust privacy settings/parental controls only with parent/guardian permission.
- Share physical location with parent/guardian permission, and keep location services active only for direct family.
- Care for and maintain phones and devices, keeping them charged.
- School, homework, extracurricular activities and family relationships come before device use.
- Implement family agreements:
- Review our “Family Contract for Smartphones & Digital Devices” and share it with your child’s grandparents and relatives.
- Teach your child from an early age that technology is a tool, not a toy, and is a privilege, not a right.
- Demonstrate responsible technology use through a collaborative effort - both the child and the parent must demonstrate self-discipline and lead by example.
- Establish the consequences in advance for failure to abide by the family agreement.
"Tools" A Parent’s Defensive Strategy ("Technical Measures")
Parental controls should be utilized on all internet-enabled devices and platforms including desktops, laptops, gaming consoles, mobile phones, music devices and related apps. Most operating systems - such as Windows (Microsoft accounts), macOS (Apple ID), Chrome OS (Chromebook accounts), and Android (Google accounts) - offer built-in parental controls, as do app stores and some routers.
Remember, technology tools are not a substitute for parental supervision as determined kids can usually find a work-around.
- Set age-appropriate filters, time limits and utilize monitoring software by using a password only known by the parent.
- Ensure privacy settings are enabled on social media, gaming, and mobile devices. Limit online communications to parent-approved friends and platforms, especially for kids K-8.
- Regularly check browser history.
- Restrict chat room access; limit live audio and video chat for younger children. Only allow live audio chat features with extreme caution and only with approved contacts
- Keep cybersecurity software up to date on all devices.
Respond:
Cyberbullying and online attacks can feel overwhelming, isolating, and even frightening. Victims often experience pressure to respond immediately or defend themselves publicly, but experts warn that reacting in the heat of the moment can make the situation worse. Instead, it’s important to approach the problem with intention—seeking support, protecting your child’s safety, and caring for your child’s mental well-being.
- Stay calm and keep communication with your child open — encourage children to share what’s happening without fear of overreaction.
- Don’t fuel the fire — avoid engaging or responding to bullies, since attention is what they want.
- Create a safety plan — adjust privacy settings, block aggressors, and remove personal info from public profiles.
- Don’t face it alone — reach out to trusted friends, family, school staff/counselors, or other allies for support
- Involve others if needed — meet with school administrators about policies if another student is involved; consider speaking with the bully’s parents/guardians if the child is younger, or if bullying becomes serious.
- Report and document — never delete bullying messages; save evidence (screenshots, posts, messages). Report incidents to the platform/app, and teach your child to do the same.
- Contact authorities if needed — if threats, illegal behavior, or danger are involved, call police. Report child sex abuse material or cybercrimes to CyberTipline.com or 1-800-THE-LOST. For crisis support, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
- Prioritize well-being — encourage self-care, professional counseling, or supportive activities to manage the emotional toll.
Speak up for others! Social media bullies count on our shared human tendencies to stay back, avoid trouble and not get involved. If we allow ourselves to do nothing when someone is under attack, we become passive enablers. Ask the targeted person how you can help. We are stronger when we are together!
Reporting Harassment and Bullying on Major Platforms
- How to combat bullying and harassment on Instagram
- How to handle bullying, harassment, or personal attack on Facebook
- How to report abusive behavior on X
- Harassment & cyberbullying policies – YouTube Help
- Safety Reporting – How To Report A Snap | Snapchat Safety
- About reporting and blocking on WhatsApp | WhatsApp Help Center
- Report bullying on Tiktok
- Addressing Player Reporting Tool | Minecraft
- How to Report Rule Violations – Roblox Support
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