As kids head back to class, bullying can follow them home through phones, games and social media.
The return to school brings the familiar concerns about friendships, fitting in and bullying, but today’s parents have another problem to consider: cyberbullying can happen around the clock. Unlike traditional bullying, digital harassment can continue through group chats, social media, online games and private messages long after the school day ends.
The problem is becoming more complicated as artificial intelligence makes it easier to create fake accounts, altered photographs and other embarrassing or deceptive content. That means a child may be targeted without parents—or even teachers—immediately realizing what is happening.
How Big Is the Problem?
Cyberbullying can take many forms, including spreading rumors, sending threatening or insulting messages, impersonating someone through a fake account, sharing private information or images, and deliberately excluding someone from an online group. It can occur across virtually every major social platform, with YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok and Facebook among the platforms identified as common locations.
The numbers show why parents shouldn’t dismiss online cruelty as simply “kids being kids.” Security.org reports that 21% of children experience cyberbullying, while the likelihood increases as children get older.
What Should Parents Watch For?
The tricky part is that children don’t always tell their parents they’re being bullied, particularly if they fear losing access to their phone or social media. Instead, parents may notice behavioral changes such as withdrawing from friends, suddenly avoiding devices, becoming unusually upset after receiving messages or appearing anxious about going to school.
Parents should also pay attention to what’s happening online, including sudden changes in friend groups or unfamiliar accounts contacting their child. The JED Foundation specifically identifies fake accounts, cruel memes, threats, unwanted sharing of images and people repeatedly demanding personal information as potential warning signs.
Most importantly, parents should make it clear that their child won’t be punished for coming to them. Keeping conversations open, periodically checking privacy settings and knowing which apps and platforms a child uses can make it easier to spot trouble before it escalates.
