Cyberbullying and How to Stop It

The rise of social media and digital communication has transformed how we connect but it’s also opened new doors for harm. Cyberbullying, or repeated online harassment, can happen anywhere people interact digitally: through text messages, social platforms, group chats, or even email.

While many still view it as a normal part of growing up, cyberbullying has been shown to cause serious emotional and psychological damage, especially among teens. Knowing how to recognize, respond to, and prevent it is key to protecting yourself and others online.

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying involves using technology to intimidate, embarrass, or harm another person. This can include sending hurtful messages, spreading rumors, impersonating someone online, or posting private or humiliating information publicly.

Because online communication is constant, the effects of cyberbullying can follow victims home making it harder to escape or heal.

Cyberbullying in Numbers

• About 15% of youth ages 12 to 18 report being cyberbullied at least once.

• More than 25% of kids ages 13 to 15 say they experienced cyberbullying within a single year.

• Roughly 6% of people admit to having engaged in cyberbullying in the past year.

• Young people who identify as LGBTQ are up to twice as likely to experience cyberbullying, with rates as high as 56%.

• Those targeted online are twice as likely to self-harm or attempt suicide compared to peers who aren’t bullied.

Cyberbullying affects all genders, though girls and boys report similar experiences around 23% and 22%, respectively.

Examples of Cyberbullying

Online harassment takes many forms, including:

• Harassment: Threatening messages, group chats used to target someone, or hurtful comments about appearance, gender, race, or sexuality.

• Impersonation: Pretending to be someone else online to humiliate them by hacking their account, posting offensive content, or creating fake profiles.

• Public shaming: Posting private photos, spreading rumors, or sharing personal information without consent.

• Recording and sharing bullying: Capturing physical bullying or embarrassing moments on video and posting them online.

Even if someone says “it’s just a joke,” if the behavior causes fear, humiliation, or shame, it’s cyberbullying.

The Effects of Cyberbullying

The psychological and physical toll of online bullying can be serious. Victims may experience:

• Anxiety and depression

• Sleep disturbances

• Academic difficulties

• Headaches or stomach pain

• Isolation and low self-esteem

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

A 2024 study found that nearly 1 in 5 teens who experience online bullying report symptoms of major depression. The constant exposure to digital harassment can make it difficult to feel safe even offline.

What to Do If You’re Being Cyberbullied

If you’re being bullied online, you’re not powerless. Try these steps:

1. Tell a trusted adult or authority. Confiding in a parent, teacher, or counselor can help you find support and take action.

2. Don’t respond or retaliate. Bullies often seek reactions. Ignoring them can de-escalate the situation.

3. Keep records. Save screenshots, messages, and emails as evidence.

4. Report it. Most social media platforms have tools to report harassment or block the offender.

5. Walk away and take a break. Step away from your device and focus on activities that calm or distract you.

6. Seek help if you feel unsafe. If there are threats of violence or sexual content being shared, contact law enforcement immediately.

Therapy can also be an important step toward healing. Talking with a mental health professional can help you process the experience and rebuild confidence.

Guidance for Parents

If your child is being cyberbullied:

• Listen without judgment. Create a safe space for them to share their feelings.

• Reassure them it’s not their fault. Bullies target others to feel powerful not because their victim did something wrong.

• Contact the school. Many schools have anti-bullying policies and can take action.

• Document everything. Keep copies of messages, posts, or images.

• Encourage therapy or counseling. Professional help can ease the emotional effects and prevent long-term distress.

When Adults Experience Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying doesn’t end with adolescence. Adults can face online harassment in workplaces, relationships, or public forums. If this happens:

• Let the harasser know their behavior is unacceptable.

• Report the harassment to HR or site administrators.

• Block the person and restrict contact.

• Save evidence and involve law enforcement if there are threats.

• Seek support from friends, colleagues, or a therapist.

Taking Action Against Cyberbullying

Every state in the U.S. has laws or school policies addressing cyberbullying. While no single federal law directly bans it, harassment tied to race, gender, disability, or religion may fall under federal jurisdiction.

If cyberbullying continues despite reporting, reach out to a school counselor, trusted adult, or local authorities for guidance. Most importantly, remember you are not alone, and help is available.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For mental health resources, you can also contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

In Summary

Cyberbullying can take many forms, but its effects are always harmful. Understanding what it is and how to respond empowers both teens and adults to reclaim safety, confidence, and peace of mind in digital spaces.

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