Cyberbullying, the harassment or intimidation of individuals through digital platforms, is an escalating issue affecting adolescents worldwide. Often manifesting through hurtful messages, malicious rumors, or embarrassing posts, it can have severe consequences, including anxiety, depression, and academic struggles.
Recognizing early signs, such as emotional distress, secrecy about online activity, and social withdrawal, is critical in addressing the problem. Anthony, a dating coach, emphasizes building trust between parents and children to encourage open communication. “The best way to deal with a problem is to prepare and coach them from a young age,” he said, reflecting on his own childhood challenges.
Statistics from the World Health Organization in 2024 highlight the urgency, with 15% of adolescents globally experiencing cyberbullying. Middle and high school students are particularly vulnerable, with over half reporting exposure to online harassment.
Addison Albert, an online safety adviser, stresses a multi-pronged approach: education, communication, and technology. Parents should teach children about cyberbullying, set clear internet-use guidelines, and monitor activity using tools like Bark and mSpy. “Encourage open dialogue and let your kids know they can come to you if they encounter any problems,” Albert advises.
The issue is pervasive on platforms like Facebook and TikTok. In 2024, Facebook acted on 7.8 million pieces of content related to harassment, while 64% of TikTok users reported experiencing bullying, according to Security.org.
For some parents, tackling cyberbullying requires persistence. Nicola Nga, a mother, recounted her daughter’s harrowing experience, which extended from school to social media. Explicit posts and threats led Nga to demand action from her child’s school. After presenting evidence of three months of harassment, the school suspended the eight perpetrators. “As a parent, seeing your child in pain is devastating. All you want is to take that pain away,” Nga shared, encouraging other parents to advocate firmly for their children.
Cyberbullying is a growing challenge, but proactive parenting, open communication, and swift action can help protect children from its harmful effects.
