The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Over the years, technology has become the center of our lives. It has made life easier and has connected people from various parts of the world. Although technology is beneficial, it can give rise to harmful practices like cyberbullying. According to the Pew Research Center, it is estimated thatalmost half of U.S. teenagers have experienced cyberbullying. The problem is much worse for girls, as they are likely to be deliberately targeted because of their appearance. As a parent or guardian, it can be challenging to detect or understand cyberbullying. Teenagers have their own language that can be hard to decipher. As a result, you need to ensure your teen is safe online.
This article aims to provide parents with a guide to cyberbullying. It will explain how cyberbullying happens, the signs to look for, and how parents can support their teenagers. Additionally, it will guide parents on how to seek professional support from experts like Nexus Teen Academy. For immediate assistance, contact Nexus Teen Academy today.
What Is Cyberbullying in Teens?
Cyberbullying is an evolution of bullying. According to the American Psychological Association,bullyingcan be described as aggressive and violent behavior used by an individual to inflict harm or cause discomfort to another person intentionally. It consists mainly of physical acts like hitting, but can also include verbal abuse, teasing, and name-calling.
UNICEF describes cyberbullying as bullying that takes place online through media. Such media include social media, messaging boards, games, or other digital platforms. It comprises spreading false information, online abuse, threats, impersonation, and sextortion. It can also include posting embarrassing photos of someone without their consent.
Apart from the digital aspect of cyberbullying, it differs from traditional bullying because it can feel more isolating. If your teen is being bullied online, they may feel like no one would understand their struggles, and they may not know how or where to report the cases of cyberbullying. They also know that it can be challenging to trace pseudo-accounts. This makes it harder for them to ask for help or report cases of cyberbullying.
Prevalence of Cyberbullying in Teens
According to the Pew Research Center, cyberbullying comprises at least six main behaviors. These include offensive name-calling, spreading false rumors, receiving unsolicited explicit images, physical threats of violence, sharing one’s explicit photos without consent, and being harassed about one’s whereabouts. Statistics show that 46% of teenagers have experienced at least one of the forms of cyberbullying. Offensive name-calling is by far the most prevalent form of cyberbullying, accounting for 32% of cases. This is followed by spreading false information, accounting for 22% of cases. The least common form of cyberbullying is the sharing of one’s explicit images without consent.
The Reasons Behind Cyberbullying in Teens
Cyberbullying has taken root for various reasons. The anonymity offered by social media platforms makes people less compassionate and hostile. Most teenagers believe that creating a pseudo-account cannot be traced back to them. It emboldens them to become mean to their peers. Similarly, online platforms make it hard for teens to perceive the damage they are causing. Face-to-face interactions make it easy to see when a comment or joke hurts someone. However,social mediaremoves this interaction and makes it harder for teens to see how much they have hurt someone else.
Why Are Teens Vulnerable to Cyberbullying?
During adolescence, teenagers undergo various psychological and emotional changes. This makes them more sensitive and vulnerable to social pressure. The following are some reasons why teenagers are more susceptible to cyberbullying:
Developmental and Social Pressures
Freedom and identity formation are essential parts of growing up. As your teenager enters adolescence, they begin developing their own identity. They start looking to their peers for what is acceptable. The constant need for peer validation can cause your teenager to experience cyberbullying. It may start small with pressure to change their appearance. Over time, these pressures may escalate to cyberbullying and harassment.
Social pressures are not limited to victims of cyberbullying. They also cause teenagers to become bullies. Piling on hateful comments can sometimes feel fun. Many teenagers ask themselves, “If everyone else is already doing it, what would be the harm?” As a parent or guardian, teaching your teen digital literacy can help them be less susceptible to cyberbullying.
Unsupervised or Excessive Digital Access
Unsupervised and unrestricted digital access can make your teen more susceptible to cyberbullying. Research indicates thatteenagers spend upwards of 4 hours a day on social media. Prolonged exposure to social media and other digital platforms increases the risk of cyberbullying.
Gaming platforms are notorious for cyberbullying incidents. Many teens are constantly abused as they play online games. Recently, it has become popular to call the police on popular video game streamers. Callers usually make false reports to the police, putting the streamer’s life in danger.
As a parent or guardian, you should limit your teen’s digital access. Work with them to place restrictions on screen time and access to certain websites. This will ensure they remain safe online.
Signs Your Teen Might Be a Victim of Cyberbullying
Unaddressed cyberbullying can have a negative impact on your teen’s life. It may lead to teen depression,teen self-harm, and teen suicide. As a result, you need to recognize the signs of cyberbullying. The following are signs of cyberbullying in teens:
Social withdrawal
Irritability
Frequent mood swings
Avoiding school or social activities
Sudden avoidance of certain digital platforms
Becoming secretive about devices
Suddenly being blocked from social media sites
Sudden deletion of social media accounts
Academic decline and loss of interest in schoolwork
Expressing feelings of worthlessness
Feeling like their peers hate them
Negative self-talk
Refusing to talk about online activity despite seeming upset
Your teenager might struggle to ask for help when they are being cyberbullied. As a parent or guardian, you need to be vigilant about your teen’s online activity. Talk to them about cyberbullying and teach them what to do when they experience online harassment.
How to Talk to Your Teen About Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can be a sensitive topic and requires you to be tactful and compassionate when you bring it up. Some strategies you can use to talk to your teen about cyberbullying include the following:
Creating a Judgment-Free Zone
Approach the topic with empathy and compassion. Teenage victims of cyberbullying may feel guilt and shame for their victimization. As a result, you need to show them that they are in a safe space where they can freely express themselves. When you talk to your teen about cyberbullying, ensure you use open communication techniques like open-ended questions. These questions encourage your teen to open up about their online experiences. Additionally, it makes them feel like they are in control of the conversation. Creating a judgment-free zone fosters trust and strengthens interpersonal relationships.
Active Listening and Building Trust
As a parent or guardian, you should use active listening skills to foster trust. When your teen is talking about their experiences, avoid interrupting them. Use nonverbal cues such as nodding to show them that you are listening. Maintain eye contact and acknowledge their points. Active listening also involves validating your teen’s feelings. Help them understand that they are seen. Use an empathetic tone to prevent them from feeling criticized or lectured. This fosters openness and understanding. It will also make your teen more likely to take your advice on digital literacy and privacy.
What Parents Can Do to Help a Teen Experiencing Cyberbullying
Offer Comfort and Support
If your teen is a victim of cyberbullying, offer comfort and support. Reassure them that it is not their fault. Many teens blame themselves for their experiences and feel like they deserve to be bullied. As a parent or guardian, you should offer emotional support. Talk about your own experiences to make them feel less alone. When your teen cheers up, reassure them that they will be okay. This will help them feel safe and will encourage them to find a solution to their online problems.
Document and Report the Abuse
Documenting instances of abuse is essential. Keep a record of all threats, pictures, and communication with the bully. This will be useful when reporting the issue to the police or other relevant authorities. Documenting the abuse can be used against the perpetrator or their parents.
Adjust Digital Settings and Supervision
Digital well-being is an integral part of ensuring your teen’s safety. As a parent or guardian, you should encourage your teen to disengage from interactions with bullies. This can be done by blocking them or deleting their hurtful comments. You should also adjust your teen’s phone settings to limit their screen time or block hateful comments. There are several applications that can detect harmful content and alert parents in case of inappropriate language. These applications should be used cautiously as they can intrude on your teen’s privacy.
Additionally, you can limit your teen’s access to technology. Although this can seem like a punishment, it is essential to take away the medium through which your teen is being bullied. Introducing parental control on your teen’s device can limit their interaction with technology.
Encourage Offline Confidence and Boundaries
As a parent or guardian, you should build your teen’s confidence. You can do this by using positive affirmations. You can also praise your teen’s strengths to improve their self-worth. Confident teens are less likely to be affected by negative online comments.
Teach Digital Literacy
Teaching digital literacy is essential in protecting your teen from cyberbullying. Digital literacy equips teenagers with the skills necessary to safely navigate social media interactions. It teaches them to evaluate an online persona to discern whether they are to be trusted or not. It also teaches them how to stay safe online. This involves not sharing their personal information, creating strong passwords, and practicing responsible online practices. As a parent or guardian, you should start doing this early to prepare your teen for future online threats.
How Nexus Teen Academy Helps Teens Rise Above Cyberbullying
Nexus Teen Academy prides itself on helping teens who have been victims of cyberbullying. We specialize in equipping teenagers with the skills required to navigate the digital space successfully. We teach them compassion and ways to build their confidence. In case your teen’s cyberbullying has led to depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, we also address these co-occurring disorders. We use evidence-based and holistic approaches to ensure your teen rises above their negative experiences.
Teen cyberbullying can affect your teen’s quality of life.Contact Nexus Teen Academytoday to help your teen overcome their struggles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my teen is cyberbullying someone else?
If your teen is cyberbullying someone else, you need to do the following:
First, you must acknowledge the issue. Acknowledge the seriousness of cyberbullying rather than rationalizing your teen’s behavior.
Remain calm and openly communicate with your teen. Allow them to talk about the issue in a safe and calm environment.
Talk to them about the impact of cyberbullying. The goal of the conversation should be to stop cyberbullying.
Understand why your teen felt the need to cyberbully someone else. This will help you understand their motivations and how you can help them be better.
Punish your teen appropriately. As a parent or guardian, you need to set boundaries and appropriate punishments.
Cultivate empathy. Ensure your teen understands how their actions affect other people. Teach them to be kind online.
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC and nexus_admin
Cyberbullying in Teens: A Parent’s Guide
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On November 10, 2025
Table of Contents
Over the years, technology has become the center of our lives. It has made life easier and has connected people from various parts of the world. Although technology is beneficial, it can give rise to harmful practices like cyberbullying. According to the Pew Research Center, it is estimated that almost half of U.S. teenagers have experienced cyberbullying. The problem is much worse for girls, as they are likely to be deliberately targeted because of their appearance. As a parent or guardian, it can be challenging to detect or understand cyberbullying. Teenagers have their own language that can be hard to decipher. As a result, you need to ensure your teen is safe online.
This article aims to provide parents with a guide to cyberbullying. It will explain how cyberbullying happens, the signs to look for, and how parents can support their teenagers. Additionally, it will guide parents on how to seek professional support from experts like Nexus Teen Academy. For immediate assistance, contact Nexus Teen Academy today.
What Is Cyberbullying in Teens?
Cyberbullying is an evolution of bullying. According to the American Psychological Association, bullying can be described as aggressive and violent behavior used by an individual to inflict harm or cause discomfort to another person intentionally. It consists mainly of physical acts like hitting, but can also include verbal abuse, teasing, and name-calling.
UNICEF describes cyberbullying as bullying that takes place online through media. Such media include social media, messaging boards, games, or other digital platforms. It comprises spreading false information, online abuse, threats, impersonation, and sextortion. It can also include posting embarrassing photos of someone without their consent.
Apart from the digital aspect of cyberbullying, it differs from traditional bullying because it can feel more isolating. If your teen is being bullied online, they may feel like no one would understand their struggles, and they may not know how or where to report the cases of cyberbullying. They also know that it can be challenging to trace pseudo-accounts. This makes it harder for them to ask for help or report cases of cyberbullying.
Prevalence of Cyberbullying in Teens
According to the Pew Research Center, cyberbullying comprises at least six main behaviors. These include offensive name-calling, spreading false rumors, receiving unsolicited explicit images, physical threats of violence, sharing one’s explicit photos without consent, and being harassed about one’s whereabouts. Statistics show that 46% of teenagers have experienced at least one of the forms of cyberbullying. Offensive name-calling is by far the most prevalent form of cyberbullying, accounting for 32% of cases. This is followed by spreading false information, accounting for 22% of cases. The least common form of cyberbullying is the sharing of one’s explicit images without consent.
The Reasons Behind Cyberbullying in Teens
Cyberbullying has taken root for various reasons. The anonymity offered by social media platforms makes people less compassionate and hostile. Most teenagers believe that creating a pseudo-account cannot be traced back to them. It emboldens them to become mean to their peers. Similarly, online platforms make it hard for teens to perceive the damage they are causing. Face-to-face interactions make it easy to see when a comment or joke hurts someone. However, social media removes this interaction and makes it harder for teens to see how much they have hurt someone else.
Why Are Teens Vulnerable to Cyberbullying?
During adolescence, teenagers undergo various psychological and emotional changes. This makes them more sensitive and vulnerable to social pressure. The following are some reasons why teenagers are more susceptible to cyberbullying:
Developmental and Social Pressures
Freedom and identity formation are essential parts of growing up. As your teenager enters adolescence, they begin developing their own identity. They start looking to their peers for what is acceptable. The constant need for peer validation can cause your teenager to experience cyberbullying. It may start small with pressure to change their appearance. Over time, these pressures may escalate to cyberbullying and harassment.
Social pressures are not limited to victims of cyberbullying. They also cause teenagers to become bullies. Piling on hateful comments can sometimes feel fun. Many teenagers ask themselves, “If everyone else is already doing it, what would be the harm?” As a parent or guardian, teaching your teen digital literacy can help them be less susceptible to cyberbullying.
Unsupervised or Excessive Digital Access
Unsupervised and unrestricted digital access can make your teen more susceptible to cyberbullying. Research indicates that teenagers spend upwards of 4 hours a day on social media. Prolonged exposure to social media and other digital platforms increases the risk of cyberbullying.
Gaming platforms are notorious for cyberbullying incidents. Many teens are constantly abused as they play online games. Recently, it has become popular to call the police on popular video game streamers. Callers usually make false reports to the police, putting the streamer’s life in danger.
As a parent or guardian, you should limit your teen’s digital access. Work with them to place restrictions on screen time and access to certain websites. This will ensure they remain safe online.
Signs Your Teen Might Be a Victim of Cyberbullying
Unaddressed cyberbullying can have a negative impact on your teen’s life. It may lead to teen depression, teen self-harm, and teen suicide. As a result, you need to recognize the signs of cyberbullying. The following are signs of cyberbullying in teens:
Your teenager might struggle to ask for help when they are being cyberbullied. As a parent or guardian, you need to be vigilant about your teen’s online activity. Talk to them about cyberbullying and teach them what to do when they experience online harassment.
How to Talk to Your Teen About Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can be a sensitive topic and requires you to be tactful and compassionate when you bring it up. Some strategies you can use to talk to your teen about cyberbullying include the following:
Creating a Judgment-Free Zone
Approach the topic with empathy and compassion. Teenage victims of cyberbullying may feel guilt and shame for their victimization. As a result, you need to show them that they are in a safe space where they can freely express themselves. When you talk to your teen about cyberbullying, ensure you use open communication techniques like open-ended questions. These questions encourage your teen to open up about their online experiences. Additionally, it makes them feel like they are in control of the conversation. Creating a judgment-free zone fosters trust and strengthens interpersonal relationships.
Active Listening and Building Trust
As a parent or guardian, you should use active listening skills to foster trust. When your teen is talking about their experiences, avoid interrupting them. Use nonverbal cues such as nodding to show them that you are listening. Maintain eye contact and acknowledge their points. Active listening also involves validating your teen’s feelings. Help them understand that they are seen. Use an empathetic tone to prevent them from feeling criticized or lectured. This fosters openness and understanding. It will also make your teen more likely to take your advice on digital literacy and privacy.
What Parents Can Do to Help a Teen Experiencing Cyberbullying
Offer Comfort and Support
If your teen is a victim of cyberbullying, offer comfort and support. Reassure them that it is not their fault. Many teens blame themselves for their experiences and feel like they deserve to be bullied. As a parent or guardian, you should offer emotional support. Talk about your own experiences to make them feel less alone. When your teen cheers up, reassure them that they will be okay. This will help them feel safe and will encourage them to find a solution to their online problems.
Document and Report the Abuse
Documenting instances of abuse is essential. Keep a record of all threats, pictures, and communication with the bully. This will be useful when reporting the issue to the police or other relevant authorities. Documenting the abuse can be used against the perpetrator or their parents.
Adjust Digital Settings and Supervision
Digital well-being is an integral part of ensuring your teen’s safety. As a parent or guardian, you should encourage your teen to disengage from interactions with bullies. This can be done by blocking them or deleting their hurtful comments. You should also adjust your teen’s phone settings to limit their screen time or block hateful comments. There are several applications that can detect harmful content and alert parents in case of inappropriate language. These applications should be used cautiously as they can intrude on your teen’s privacy.
Additionally, you can limit your teen’s access to technology. Although this can seem like a punishment, it is essential to take away the medium through which your teen is being bullied. Introducing parental control on your teen’s device can limit their interaction with technology.
Encourage Offline Confidence and Boundaries
As a parent or guardian, you should build your teen’s confidence. You can do this by using positive affirmations. You can also praise your teen’s strengths to improve their self-worth. Confident teens are less likely to be affected by negative online comments.
Teach Digital Literacy
Teaching digital literacy is essential in protecting your teen from cyberbullying. Digital literacy equips teenagers with the skills necessary to safely navigate social media interactions. It teaches them to evaluate an online persona to discern whether they are to be trusted or not. It also teaches them how to stay safe online. This involves not sharing their personal information, creating strong passwords, and practicing responsible online practices. As a parent or guardian, you should start doing this early to prepare your teen for future online threats.
How Nexus Teen Academy Helps Teens Rise Above Cyberbullying
Nexus Teen Academy prides itself on helping teens who have been victims of cyberbullying. We specialize in equipping teenagers with the skills required to navigate the digital space successfully. We teach them compassion and ways to build their confidence. In case your teen’s cyberbullying has led to depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, we also address these co-occurring disorders. We use evidence-based and holistic approaches to ensure your teen rises above their negative experiences.
Teen cyberbullying can affect your teen’s quality of life. Contact Nexus Teen Academy today to help your teen overcome their struggles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If your teen is cyberbullying someone else, you need to do the following: