What Is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person. It can happen through social media, text messages, emails, online forums, gaming platforms, or any digital space where people can communicate.
Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can happen 24/7, reach a wide audience instantly, and be difficult to escape. The anonymity of the internet can make people say things they wouldn't say in person, and the digital nature means harmful content can spread quickly and be hard to remove.
Cyberbullying can have serious emotional, psychological, and even physical effects on children and teens. As a parent, understanding cyberbullying and knowing how to help your child is crucial in today's digital world.
Types of Cyberbullying
Harassment
Repeatedly sending offensive, rude, or insulting messages
Flaming
Online fights using electronic messages with angry and vulgar language
Exclusion
Intentionally leaving someone out of online groups, conversations, or activities
Outing
Sharing someone's secrets or embarrassing information online
Trickery
Tricking someone into revealing secrets or embarrassing information, then sharing it online
Impersonation
Pretending to be someone else and sending or posting material to damage that person's reputation
Cyberstalking
Repeated, intense harassment and denigration that includes threats or creates significant fear
Doxing
Publishing someone's private information, such as address or phone number, online
Warning Signs Your Child May Be Cyberbullied
Emotional Signs
- • Unexpected emotional responses to devices
- • Withdrawal from family and friends
- • Reluctance to go to school or social events
- • Changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or appetite
- • Signs of depression or anxiety
Behavioral Signs
- • Avoiding computer or phone use
- • Being secretive about online activities
- • Closing or minimizing screens when you approach
- • Stopping use of devices suddenly
- • Changes in academic performance
Physical Signs
- • Trouble sleeping
- • Headaches or stomachaches
- • Loss of appetite
- • Feeling sick or faking illness
- • Physical injuries (in severe cases)
Social Signs
- • Loss of friends or avoiding social situations
- • Feeling isolated or alone
- • Low self-esteem
- • Self-harm behaviors (in severe cases)
- • Thoughts of suicide (in severe cases)
How to Help Your Child
Listen and Support
- • Listen without judgment and let your child know it's not their fault
- • Validate their feelings and let them know you believe them
- • Reassure them that you're there to help and support them
- • Avoid minimizing their experience or telling them to "just ignore it"
- • Let them know they're not alone
Document Everything
- • Save screenshots of all cyberbullying messages, posts, or images
- • Keep records of dates, times, and platforms where incidents occurred
- • Document any witnesses or people who may have seen the bullying
- • Save URLs and usernames of those involved
- • This documentation may be needed for school or legal action
Report the Bullying
- • Report to the platform or website where the bullying occurred
- • Most social media platforms have reporting mechanisms
- • Contact your child's school if the bullying involves classmates
- • Consider reporting to law enforcement if threats are involved
- • Block the bully on all platforms and devices
Limit Online Access
- • Temporarily limit or monitor your child's online activity
- • Help them take breaks from social media or specific platforms
- • Consider changing usernames, email addresses, or phone numbers
- • Review and adjust privacy settings on all accounts
- • Help them understand it's okay to take a break from technology
Get Professional Help
- • Consider counseling or therapy if your child is struggling emotionally
- • A mental health professional can help your child process the experience
- • Family therapy may help improve communication and support
- • Don't hesitate to seek help if your child shows signs of depression or anxiety
- • If your child expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek immediate help
Work with the School
- • Contact school administrators if the cyberbullying involves classmates
- • Many schools have anti-bullying policies that include cyberbullying
- • Work with the school to develop a safety plan for your child
- • Request that the school address the situation with all parties involved
- • Follow up to ensure the school is taking appropriate action
Preventing Cyberbullying
Educate Your Child
- • Teach your child about cyberbullying and its effects
- • Help them understand what is and isn't appropriate online behavior
- • Discuss the importance of treating others with respect online
- • Teach them to think before they post or send messages
- • Help them understand that online actions have real consequences
Set Clear Rules
- • Establish clear rules about online behavior and device use
- • Set limits on screen time and when devices can be used
- • Require that devices be used in common areas of the home
- • Establish consequences for inappropriate online behavior
- • Review and update rules as your child gets older
Monitor Online Activity
- • Know what platforms and apps your child is using
- • Friend or follow your child on social media (when age-appropriate)
- • Use parental controls and monitoring software if needed
- • Regularly check your child's online activity
- • Have open conversations about what they're doing online
Teach Digital Citizenship
- • Help your child understand their digital footprint
- • Teach them about privacy settings and how to protect personal information
- • Encourage them to be kind and respectful online
- • Help them understand the importance of standing up for others
- • Teach them to report cyberbullying when they see it
Foster Open Communication
- • Create an environment where your child feels comfortable talking to you
- • Let them know they can come to you with any concerns
- • Avoid overreacting if they share something concerning
- • Regularly check in about their online experiences
- • Be approachable and non-judgmental
What If Your Child Is the Bully?
If you discover your child is cyberbullying others, it's important to address it immediately and help them understand the impact of their actions.
Address It Immediately
- • Don't ignore or minimize the behavior
- • Have a serious conversation about why their actions are wrong
- • Help them understand the impact of their behavior on others
- • Set clear consequences for the behavior
- • Monitor their online activity more closely
Help Them Understand
- • Help them understand how their actions affect others
- • Encourage empathy by asking how they would feel in the victim's position
- • Discuss the real-world consequences of cyberbullying
- • Help them understand that online actions have real impacts
- • Teach them about digital citizenship and respect
Get Help
- • Consider counseling or therapy to address underlying issues
- • Work with the school to address the behavior
- • Help your child make amends if appropriate
- • Monitor their behavior and provide ongoing guidance
- • Address any underlying issues that may be contributing to the behavior
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How is cyberbullying different from traditional bullying?
A: Cyberbullying can happen 24/7, reach a wide audience instantly, and be difficult to escape. The anonymity of the internet can make people say things they wouldn't say in person, and harmful content can spread quickly and be hard to remove. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can follow your child home and into their private spaces.
Q: What should I do if my child is being cyberbullied?
A: Listen and support your child, document everything, report the bullying to the platform and school if applicable, limit online access if needed, and get professional help if your child is struggling emotionally. Most importantly, let your child know it's not their fault and that you're there to help.
Q: Should I take away my child's phone or computer?
A: Taking away devices completely may not be the best solution, as it can isolate your child further and make them feel punished for being bullied. Instead, consider temporarily limiting access, monitoring activity more closely, or helping them take breaks from specific platforms where the bullying is occurring.
Q: When should I contact law enforcement?
A: Contact law enforcement if the cyberbullying involves threats of violence, sexual content, stalking, hate crimes, or if your child's safety is at risk. Save all evidence and documentation before contacting authorities.
Q: How can I prevent my child from being cyberbullied?
A: Educate your child about cyberbullying, set clear rules about online behavior, monitor their online activity, teach digital citizenship, and foster open communication. Help them understand how to protect their privacy and when to report concerning behavior.
Q: What if my child doesn't want to talk about it?
A: Be patient and let them know you're available when they're ready. Don't force conversations, but continue to check in and show your support. Consider involving a counselor or therapist who specializes in working with children and teens if they continue to be reluctant to talk.
Key Takeaways
Listen & Support
Your child needs your support and understanding
Document Everything
Save evidence of all cyberbullying incidents
Report & Get Help
Report to platforms, schools, and seek professional help when needed
⚠️ Important Note
This article provides general information and is not intended to replace professional advice. If your child is experiencing severe emotional distress, depression, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm or suicide related to cyberbullying, seek immediate professional help. Contact a mental health professional, your child's doctor, or a crisis hotline. If there's immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.