What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of online platforms via social media, text message or
alternative messaging platforms, gaming platforms or cell phones. It is continual or repetitive
behavior based in shaming, angering, or abusing those who are targeting.

This may look like:

-Starting rumors or posting embarrassing photos of videos of someone on social media
-Sending abusive or threatening messages, images, or videos
-Impersonating the victim and sending messages on their behalf through fake social media
accounts

Commonly, bullying in person and online can often happen together. Cyberbullying provides a
digital footprint or a record that can help evidence to stop it. Cyberbulling can happen widely
and quickly as social media influences the ability to share digital information quickly across
many platforms. Vulnerable or damaging photos or rumors can easily be communicated between
different schools and across states before a teen seeks out support. It can be particularly difficult
to manage or navigate cyberbullying as most things posted on the internet are either difficult to
remove or permanent.

Anyone utilizing digital media or social media platforms can experience cyberbullying. One of
the most effective ways parents can help support their teen as they interact with social media is
engage in honest and open conversations about expectations and ways to provide sources of
support if cyberbullying does occur.

How To Navigate Cyberbullying

Research demonstrates that cyberbullying on social media is commonly linked to anxiety and
particularly depression in teens. Open conversations with teens and their parents can include:

Not judging or fixing: Parents, please listen to teens without judgement. Passive aggressive or
critical comments on behavior or social media platforms is not productive in supporting your
teen in these conversations. Additionally, allow the teen to come up with their own solution (if
there is one) on how they would like to navigate cyberbullying. Teens do not need their parents
to start calling other parents or the school right away! Communicating unconditional support is
so important.

Document everything: Take screenshots or photos of any traces of cyberbullying and save to
your phone. If your teen decides to communicate with school administration regarding
cyberbullying, that can be extremely anxiety inducing so having these conversations documented
can help allow your teen to further communicate what happened.

Identify a safe person at school: Teens need a safe person at school who they can go to when
feeling anxious or overwhelmed by either the fall out or impact of cyberbullying or to seek
support in the moment.