The impact of cyberbullying on teen mental health

Social media keeps us connected with friends and loved ones, but it also creates spaces where bullying and exclusion can thrive. It can sometimes give bullies a platform to lash out while hiding behind screens, avoiding direct confrontation, and feeling emboldened by anonymity.

An increasing concern for teens who spend time online, 46% of teens say they’ve experienced cyberbullying. The emotional toll of online harassment can lead to anxiety, depression, and even self-harm. Many teens feel powerless and unsure of how to respond to online bullying. But with support from parents or caregivers and potentially a therapist, you can help your teen face cyberbullying with confidence.

What cyberbullying looks like

Unlike traditional bullying — which is often confined to school or social events — online bullying can happen anytime, anywhere.

With constant access to phones, tablets, and computers, bullies have more opportunities than ever. Social media, gaming communities, and messaging apps make it easy for cyberbullies to harass others, whether by mocking them, spreading hurtful messages and rumors, or posting altered images meant to embarrass or damage someone’s reputation. 

A survey from the Pew Research Center found the following to be the most common types of cyberbullying:

• Calling others offensive names
• Spreading of false rumors
• Nonconsensually receiving or sharing explicit images
• Constantly being asked where they are, what they’re doing, or who they are with by someone other than a parent
• Threatening physical harm 

Specific forms of cyberbullying include:

• Harassment: This is when someone repeatedly sends offensive, hurtful, or threatening messages through texts, emails, or social media.
• Impersonation (catfishing or fake profiles): Impersonation is when someone creates a fake profile to deceive, manipulate, or embarrass someone, often by pretending to be the target or someone they trust.
• Sextortion: This is a serious crime in which online predators manipulate and exploit people, often by posing as a romantic interest. Once the victim shares explicit photos, the predator uses blackmail tactics to demand more photos or, in some cases, money, threatening to expose the images.
• Revenge porn: A cyberbully may post explicit images or videos online that were originally shared in private, often to shame, humiliate, or control the victim. In many states, this is illegal, and victims have legal options.
• Exclusion: A cyberbully might intentionally exclude someone from online groups, chats, or events to hurt or isolate them.
• Cyberstalking: Cyberstalking is when a bully repeatedly threatens or intimidates someone online, making them feel unsafe.
• Hate speech: Using discriminatory or hateful language to target someone based on race, gender, religion, or sexuality is considered hate speech. 
• Outing/doxxing: A cyberbully may share someone’s private, personal, or sensitive information without their consent to humiliate or endanger them.
• Shaming: This is when a bully posts embarrassing or altered photos, videos, or personal messages to publicly humiliate another person. 
• Trolling: Trolling is defined as deliberately posting hurtful, off-topic, or provocative comments to upset or provoke someone.
• Fake rumors and misinformation: Spreading false information, gossip, or manipulated content to damage someone’s reputation can be a form of cyberbullying. 

While cyberbullying can happen to anyone, girls are more likely than boys to both victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying. In addition, LGBTQ+ students experience a higher-than-average rate of cyberbullying.

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Effects of cyberbullying on teen mental health

The effects of cyberbullying on teens can persist long after the harassment itself has ended, leaving lasting emotional scars. Victims often struggle with mental health concerns, while others develop trust issues and avoid socializing.

Teens who perpetrate or experience cyberbullying may have:

• Higher rates of depression and anxiety
• Reduced feelings of self-worth
• Difficulties sleeping — including sleeping for shorter periods of time
• Higher number of physical problems, like headaches and stomach issues
• Increased suicidal ideation and attempts*
• Increased instances of eating disorders
• Substance use issues

*A note on safety: The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support with trained crisis counselors. If you or a loved one is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988. If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you need immediate help, please call 911.

Protecting your child from cyberbullying

Helping a teen who’s being bullied online requires a compassionate and proactive approach. Here are some steps to ensure they have a safe and more positive online experience: 

• Keep lines of communication open. Encourage your teen to talk about any negative experiences they have online, including cyberbullying. Listen without judgment, collect evidence like screenshots, help them report the abuse, and support them in seeking therapy if needed.
• Don’t blame your teen. Many teens are afraid or embarrassed to admit they’re being bullied, often fearing punishment or losing access to their devices. Reassure them that what’s happening isn’t their fault and they won’t be punished for speaking up.
• Report incidents. Document and report all instances of cyberbullying. Many states have cyberbullying laws protecting victims. Threats of violence, sextortion, revenge porn, stalking, and hate crimes should be reported to law enforcement. Additionally, report all online harassment to social media platforms, as it violates their terms of service, and to your child’s school if it’s another student who’s bullying them. Some state laws cover off-campus behavior that creates a hostile school environment.
• Acknowledge their experience. Validate their feelings, even if the situation doesn’t seem like a big deal to you. Let them know you hear them and their experiences matter. Reassure them that you love and support them. 
• Discuss internet safety. Have an open and honest conversation with your teen about staying safe online. Talk about the importance of limiting communication with strangers or those engaging in negative communication, avoiding location access on apps, and never sharing personal information with strangers.
• Encourage limits on social media. Talk to your teen about how taking breaks from social media can protect their mental health. You can also help them adjust their privacy settings to control who can message them or see their content. 

Therapy for teenagers facing cyberbullying

Therapy can also help your teen process their emotions, develop coping strategies, and rebuild confidence. Consider the following evidence-based treatments:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This form of talk therapy helps address depression, anxiety, poor self-image, and substance use linked to cyberbullying. CBT teaches practical coping skills and ways to challenge negative thinking.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): This approach combines mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation techniques. DBT helps teens understand their emotions, set healthy boundaries, and communicate effectively.

Find care with Rula

If your teen has been bullied online, it can deeply affect their self-esteem and confidence. Even after the bullying stops, the emotional impact can linger, potentially leading to concerns like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Healing takes time, support, and sometimes professional guidance. 

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best. 

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

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