This article dives into cyberbullying: how it works, who’s vulnerable to it, and its devastating consequences. Please bear in mind that this blog mentions suicide and violence against children, which can be upsetting and triggering for many readers. If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact us at Miramont Behavioral Health Hospital in Wisconsin immediately or call a suicide hotline now.
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is digital bullying that happens via social media, in texts, on messaging apps, or through online games. It’s not just one mean comment—rather, a pattern of behavior meant to scare, shame, or upset someone. Cyberbullying often overlaps with in-person bullying, but unlike face-to-face conflict, it leaves a digital footprint that you can later use as proof.
Common forms of cyberbullying can include:
- Posting embarrassing photos or videos online.
- Sending hurtful or threatening messages.
- Creating fake accounts to harass or impersonate someone.
- Using AI or digital tools to bully others in more advanced ways.
- Creating AI-generated pornographic material infused with someone’s digital image.
A real-world example might contextualize how serious the consequences of cyberbullying can be. This is the story of Nate Bronstein, who passed in 2022:
- Nate transfers to a new private high school, and his classmates create group chats where they relentlessly bully him.
- The messages include cruel taunts, and at a certain point, they encourage him to end his life.
- Despite Nate reporting these incidents to his school, administrators take no action.
- Nate’s parents have no idea what’s happening, and a month after seeking support from his school, their son dies by suicide at home.
- This is why we need to talk about cyberbullying: not every child will speak up, and not every adult will see it coming.
Sadly, there have been other tragic occurrences before and after Nate, like Adriana Kuch’s story in 2023. She passed away from suicide after suffering physical violence and never-ending digital bullying. In Adriana’s case, her family may have been aware of what was going on, but both stories seem to share a common thread of inaction on the part of the children’s schools.
Thankfully, suicide isn’t the inevitable outcome of cyberbullying. However, a child’s chances of experiencing suicidal thoughts and attempting suicide may often increase if they’re exposed to these harmful virtual behaviors, especially if they struggle in other areas of life.
Is Cyberbullying a Problem For Your Teenager?
Cyberbullying can affect anyone, from cyberbullies to individuals, adults, and families on the receiving end. Even if your adolescent seems fine, they might still be affected by cyberbullying, or they could be actively hurting others online without realizing the damage. Either way, today’s teens face more online pressure than ever.
A 2024 study from the World Health Organization shows cyberbullying has increased in recent years:
- The number of boys who have admitted to cyberbullying others has risen, along with girls, but at a lower rate. Other research shows cyberbullies may use substances at higher rates, show aggressive behavior, or struggle with emotional regulation.
- Both girls and boys reported an increase in being cyberbullied.
- Girls appear to be targeted more often through messages and social media, while boys may act out more aggressively online and in real life. But both can be deeply impacted.
- Studies show that bullied teens are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, and loneliness.
- Kids involved in cyberbullying may report higher levels of headaches or stomach aches.
If your child is online—and chances are, they are—they could be part of this environment. That means they need your support, not just when something goes wrong, but before it starts.
Tips For Combating Cyberbullying
Here are some simple actions you can take with your child to help teach them how to stay safe and protect their mental health online:
- Talk often and early. Let your child know they can come to you without judgment. Ask about their online life like you’d ask about school or sports.
- Help them pause before posting. Teach them to think twice before sending messages or commenting online. Would they say it face-to-face? Would they want someone to say it to them?
- Save the evidence. Encourage them to screenshot harmful messages or posts. These can help you take action if needed.
- Report it. Show your child how to block and report bullies on each platform they use. Every app has tools for this—they just need to know where to find them.
- Don’t respond to hate. Help your child understand that responding can make things worse. Silence, blocking, and reporting are often more effective.
- Check privacy settings together. Go through their accounts and talk through who sees what. Set limits that feel safe for both of you.
Get Help For Your Teen in Wisconsin
Remember, you don’t have to wait for the warning signs of a crisis to take it seriously. Build your support circle. If you’re worried, don’t wait. Reach out to your child’s school, a counselor, or a behavioral health professional near you.
