Cyberbullying and Teen Mental Health: A Silent Crisis

Did you know that in the US, almost half (47%) teens between the ages of 14 to 17 reported having experienced at least one instance of cyberbullying behavior? (Pew Research)

We live in a digitally immersed society, and adolescents are spending more time online today than ever before. With increased access to smartphones, tablets, and laptops — all connected to the internet, it is getting harder everyday to monitor the content teens are exposed to. This shift in their lives has become inevitable, as the reliance on digital technologies has kept on growing.

It may be difficult for one to deny access to the internet to a teenager to protect them, but knowledge about current issues can help us manage the possible impacts on teen mental health. This blog covers information about cyberbullying, one of the many ways that social media negatively impacts teen mental health. 

What is Cyberbullying? 

Cyberbullying refers to any form of bullying that takes place on digital devices. As defined by UNICEF, “Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies. It can take place on social media, messaging platforms, gaming platforms, and mobile phones. It is repeated behavior, aimed at scaring, angering, or shaming those who are targeted.” Examples include:

• Spreading lies or posting embarrassing photos or videos of someone on social media.
• Sending hurtful, abusive, or threatening messages via messaging platforms.
• Impersonating someone and sending mean messages through fake accounts.

Because cyberbullying takes place digitally — it enables bullies 24/7 access to victims. This makes it even harder to escape than traditional bullying, essentially meaning that the shame, anger, and sadness felt by victims may be more pervasive. 

It is important to note that teen mental health concerns related to cyber bullying go both ways — both bullies and victims are at risk (Nixon, 2014). When addressing issues around cyberbullying, it is important to account for the harm on individuals affected by it, and the possible factors around the bullies’ behavior.  

Cyberbullying May Be More Common Than You Think

Cyberbullying behaviors are quite common in US teens. The Pew Research Centre conducted a survey on teens and cyberbullying in 2022 and found that: 

• Cyberbullying is a pervasive issue among U.S. teens, with nearly half (46%) of those aged 13 to 17 reporting that they have experienced at least one form of online harassment. 
• Offensive name-calling is the most common behavior of cyberbullying. 32% of teens reported being subjected to such abuse. 
• Other distressing forms include false rumors (22%), receiving unsolicited explicit images (17%), and even physical threats (10%). 
• Girls aged 15 to 17 are notably more likely to encounter cyberbullying. Around 54% of girls in this age group have experienced at least one of six types of cyberbullying, in contrast to 44% of boys aged 15 to 17 and 41% of boys and girls aged 13 to 14.

The Relationship Between Cyberbullying and Traditional Bullying

Our society is becoming increasingly digital, and with the onset of such a cultural change has come the emergence of unique problems associated with the online world. Bullying is a behavior that has occurred amongst teenagers far before smartphones became such an integral part of modern life in the 2020s. 

Unsurprisingly, studies indicate that face-to-face bullying and cyberbullying often overlap. Research by Hase et al. (2015) found that the vast majority of students bullied online were also victims of in-person bullying. 

How Does Cyberbullying Affect Mental Health of A Teen? 

Decades of research has found that cyberbullying has profound psychological and physical effects on both victims and perpetrators. These insights paint a vivid picture of how social media media may be contributing to mental health issues in teens. 

For Victims 

• Physical Symptoms: Studies have found that those who face cyberbullying often report recurring physical symptoms — such as headaches, stomach aches, and disrupted sleep patterns. This is likely caused by the pervasive stress and anxiety a teenager may experience when facing persistent harassment online.  
• Mental Health Challenges: Cyberbullying is associated with several mental health issues in teens. Victims of cyberbullying are often at risk to develop issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Being the victim of online bullying can leave teens feeling overwhelmed and helpless — it may feel like there is no escape.  
• Emotional Toll: Cyberbullying profoundly erodes emotional well-being of already vulnerable adolescents. Constant bullying often leaves them feeling ashamed, embarrassed, and angry. Teens may lose interest in activities they once loved and withdraw from social connections. 
• Barriers to Seeking Help: Many teens may find it difficult to seek help when being victimized. They may feel silenced by the fear of being judged or ridiculed, forcing them to deal with the emotional toll all by themselves.  
• Extreme Consequences: The sense of being constantly under attack — often even in the safety of their own homes — can make the situation of being cyberbullied feel inescapable. In severe cases, the compounded effects of cyberbullying have led to tragic outcomes, including suicide. 

For Perpetrators 

Being cruel to one’s peers does not come out of nowhere. The very existence of bullying as a form of behavior tells us a lot about the current state of teen mental health. It is probable that teens engaging in cyberbullying are facing their own sets of emotional and social challenges. 

While bullies themselves also exhibit similar symptoms to victims — such as headaches, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation  — particularly concerning challenges that perpetrators uniquely face include: 

• • Aggression and Delinquency: Teens who cyberbully often show higher levels of aggression – they may frequently start fights, break rules, or even commit crimes like property damage (Nixon, 2014). These behaviors are likely to come from an inability to manage their own emotions or resolve conflicts in healthy ways. 
  • Substance Abuse: Many cyberbullies turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking, drinking, or using drugs. These risky behaviors suggest they may be struggling with stress or emotional pain, and their harmful actions toward others often reflect their inner struggles.

• Poor Relationships: Cyberbullies often have trouble forming and maintaining healthy relationships (Nixon, 2014). They may have weak emotional bonds with their families which makes it difficult for them to truly connect with their peers. This lack of connection makes them less empathetic towards others. They often underestimate the impact of their actions on others. 

What Can We Do? Tips & Suggestions to Deal With Cyberbullying 

For Teens 

1. Do Not Respond: It is important to understand that bullying is not a reflection of your self worth, and you do not need to engage with someone who’s being unreasonably cruel. Not only does avoiding a response avoid escalation, but it also makes your bullies less likely to engage in further harassment. In other words, do not give a bully the satisfaction of a response. 
2. Save Evidence: While our access to social media has enabled a 24/7 form of bullying — it’s not all bad! If it happens digitally, you can easily save evidence of harassment. This helps you take action towards harassment and get the justice you deserve. 
3. Block and Report: Most social media platforms have a comprehensive policy on blocking and reporting. Whenever someone crosses a line or says something distressing – do not hesitate to block them and report the incident to the platform. Here’s where your screenshots will come handy. 
4. Seek Support: Sometimes, it’s not about taking action against the bully. It’s about the bad feelings you may feel when someone is cruel to you. It is perfectly fine to manage your emotions, talk to friends and seek help from professionals if needed.
5. Use Privacy Settings: If harassment by specific people is something you’re having to frequently go through, it may be time for you to utilize privacy settings and shut the mean commenters out. Even temporarily setting your account to private on social media platforms can help you take a break. 
6. Practice Self-Care: When it gets too much to handle — shift the focus on taking care of yourself. Engage in comforting hobbies and activities to make yourself feel good.
7. Leverage Technology for Support: Thanks to advancements in technology, you can get access to support whenever you require it. You can talk to our virtual wellness assistant, Stella, who can help you find resources to cope with emotional distress, and offer you a listening ear for all your woes. 

For Parents

• • Open Communication: The first step to helping your child be mindful of their behavior online or protecting them from harassment is ensuring that they trust you. Create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their experiences. This will ensure that if something does go wrong, they come to you first. 
  • Educate About Cyberbullying: Since the behavior is so common, it may be a good idea to directly discuss the importance of responsible behavior on social media and ways to handle online harassment with your teen. 
  • Stay Updated: Staying updated on internet slang, trends amongst teens on social media, etc. might be helpful to spot warning signs.  

• Know How to Report: Learn about the laws in your state regarding cyberbullying and online harassment. This article from stopbullying.gov may be helpful in finding resources. 

Recommendations for Educators

Since cyberbullying is a pervasive issue amongst adolescents, all stakeholders concerned with adolescent wellbeing may have to come together to resolve it. Here are some recommendations educators can follow to deal with cyberbullying: 

• Identify Warning Signs: Look for changes in students’ behavior, such as emotional distress, withdrawal, or sudden shifts in digital habits.
• Promote Digital Literacy: Introduce programs that teach students about cyberbullying, ways that social media negatively impacts teen mental health, and how to prevent it. Focusing on building empathy and digital resilience may be especially helpful. 
• Encourage Reporting: Provide safe channels for students to report cyberbullying incidents. Avoid victim blaming and always prioritize the teenagers’ feelings first — so they are able to trust you. 
• Model Positive Behavior: Encourage an inclusive and respectful classroom culture.

Conclusion

Cyberbullying is everywhere in today’s digital culture, impacting more young people than we’d like to admit. And it’s not just the victims who suffer, those who engage in bullying often face their own emotional battles. Those on the receiving end can feel isolated, anxious, or depressed, and on the other hand, bullies may struggle with aggression, insecurity, and broken relationships.

However, cyberbullying doesn’t have to define the online experience for all of teen mental health! It’s a problem that can be managed by taking proactive steps. Schools and communities can play a huge role by offering resources, fostering empathy, counseling for those affected, and programs that encourage positive online behavior. When we foster kindness and empathy online, we not only protect young people but also empower them to thrive in an increasingly connected world.