Cyberbullying is a growing concern for parents, educators and young people navigating today鈥檚 digital world. Unlike traditional bullying, it can feel relentless, with the constant pressure to always be online.
Chunyan Yang, associate professor in the Counseling Psychology, School Psychology and Counselor Education program and coauthor of the recent book 鈥淐yberbullying: Helping Children Navigate Digital Technology and Social Media,鈥 studies how school members respond to challenges like bullying and mental health struggles. During National Bullying Prevention Month, Yang discusses cyberbullying鈥搕he warning signs and emotional impacts, as well as how to prevent and respond to it.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that takes place in digital spaces, such as on social media or through text messages. Like other types of bullying, it has three defining features: unwanted aggression, an imbalance of power and a tendency to happen repeatedly over time.
Examples of cyberbullying include spreading rumors, sharing confidential information or using hurtful language. With the rise of AI, new risks have emerged, such as creating fake videos or manipulating images of someone and circulating them publicly.
What are the warning signs of cyberbullying?
When a child is being cyberbullied, they may seem upset while online and may avoid talking about their online activity. They may not want to go to school, or they may experience changes in eating or sleeping patterns, loss of motivation or withdrawal from schoolwork and social life.
Children who are doing the bullying may hide their screens when others are around. They may maintain multiple accounts, get upset when they don鈥檛 have access to their devices or use them throughout the night. Children who struggle with empathy, are overly concerned about social status or are more aggressive in person may be more likely to engage in bullying online.
What strategies can children use when they鈥檙e being bullied online?
One simple strategy children can remember is 鈥淪top, Block and Talk.鈥
First, remind them not to engage with the bully. Then block the person and step away from the device. Finally, they should report the incident to a trusted adult.
How can parents support children after a cyberbullying incident?
The first step is to stay calm. Then listen with empathy. Give your child space to share what happened, validate their feelings and let them know that it鈥檚 normal to feel hurt, angry or confused. For some children, counseling or therapy can be helpful.
Save evidence by taking screenshots or printing messages (except in cases involving inappropriate images of minors, which should never be copied). Report the incident to the school and the platform where it occurred. If threats or sexual images are involved, contact law enforcement immediately. After reporting, follow up to ensure the issue is being addressed.
If you discover your child has bullied others, stop the harmful behavior right away. Have an honest conversation to understand what happened and, if necessary, set consequences like limiting device use. Encourage your child to repair the harm by removing hurtful posts or writing an apology. Continue monitoring to ensure the bullying has stopped, using parental guidance or device controls.
What are some ways educators can help prevent cyberbullying?
A supportive, inclusive school culture can serve as a powerful protective factor. Educators can foster a school climate where clear policies are in place, expectations are consistent and students feel supported by adults. Resources such as Common Sense Education鈥檚 Digital Citizenship Curriculum and programs like Second Step or RULER help young people build empathy, self-awareness and relationship skills, which are essential for preventing online aggression.
How to report a cyberbullying incident
A strong report to the school should include:
- Who was involved (target, perpetrator, witnesses)
- When and where it happened
- Which platform was used
- Screenshots or links as evidence
- Any context or background about the incident
- The emotional or psychological impact on the child
- A statement verifying the accuracy of your account
When submitting a report to a school, ask who鈥檚 responsible for handling such cases (often a school counselor, psychologist or assistant principal). These professionals should interview students privately and separately to gather a full picture.
And importantly, approach everyone involved, even the bully, with empathy. Often, bullying behaviors stem from prior trauma or unmet emotional needs. When we lead with judgment, we miss opportunities to understand and intervene more deeply.
Photo by Mike Morgan
