Addressing Cyberbullying in Schools

“It’s hard to go to school when you’re afraid, and it’s even harder to learn when every day feels like a threat; where are you supposed to get help?” —Grade 10 student

Bullying and cyberbullying in K–12 schools significantly impact student safety, mental health, and academic performance. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, “In 2021–22, about 19 percent of students aged 12–18 reported being bullied during school… among students who were bullied, 22 percent reported that the bullying happened online or by text.”

Cyberbullying poses unique challenges because online means all the time; because of the anonymity of perpetrators behind the keyboards, cell phones, smartwatches, or video game chats; and because of the potential for harmful content to spread rapidly.

The trauma caused by bullying and cyberbullying underscores the urgent need for schools to adopt trauma-responsive approaches. A trauma-responsive approach can address the underlying causes of bullying behavior and support victims: working to develop positive relationships, increasing feelings of safety, fostering resilience, and equipping students with coping strategies to navigate adversity.

School as the tool

Schools are designed for empowering students to learn, and education can be a powerful tool for prevention. Teaching students empathy, digital responsibility, and the real-world consequences of online cruelty can disrupt harmful patterns before they start. Schools can partner transparently with their communities to look at the data around this and establish clear, accessible reporting channels, ensuring that every student knows where to turn.

Have counseling available—not just for victims, but also for those who harm others, addressing the cycles of pain that fuel bullying. Peer-led initiatives can create a culture where students protect and uplift one another rather than standing by in silence.

Plugging into support: A student check-in

It's imperative for K–12 students to receive the support and tools to understand and navigate this ever-evolving digital landscape. Here are three critical steps to maintain safety and practice appropriate digital citizenship:

Pause before posting. Just because it’s put on Snap (Snapchat) and it disappears moments later doesn’t mean that content is actually gone, but many young people do not realize that once posted in cyberspace, it can be accessed at some point, by someone, somewhere. Students should pause and consider the potential impact of their posts (e.g., videos/messages/images) before sharing content online.

This means thinking about their digital footprint, including evaluating whether their messages, images, or videos could be harmful, offensive, or misinterpreted now or in the future. Are they aware that some employers now use social media as one of the first places they look in researching applicants/candidates for positions to determine their character, their behavior, and what they are all about? When a student is online looking, it’s critical to understand that it could be looking back at them, too.

Protect yourself. Being cautious about sharing personal details such as full names, addresses, locations, phone numbers, and school information is a critical part of digital responsibility. Students should use strong, unique passwords; enable privacy settings on social media platforms; and avoid oversharing information that could make them vulnerable to scams, identity theft, or unwanted contact.

Report and block. Students can contribute to a safer digital environment by standing against cyberbullying and inappropriate content. If they encounter harmful behavior, they need to report it to the platform, block the offending user, and inform a trusted adult. Supporting peers who are being targeted and refraining from engaging in negative online behaviors themselves also demonstrate digital responsibility.

For help, consider resources like StopBullying.gov or the following:

• Crisis Text Line—Text HOME to 741741. This is a free, 24/7 text-based support service where students can talk to trained crisis counselors about bullying, cyberbullying, or emotional distress.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)—Dial 988. Available 24/7, this helpline provides confidential support for individuals in crisis, including those experiencing bullying-related distress. They offer online chat and phone support.

A call to parents

Parents and caregivers are partners in their children’s well-being and know that bullying—both in person and online—can have a profound impact on their emotional and academic success. Support at home is crucial in helping them navigate these challenges safely and confidently.

Know the signs. If your child seems withdrawn or anxious, avoids school, or suddenly changes in mood or behavior, they (or a friend) may be experiencing bullying. Likewise, if they display aggression, secrecy, or dismissive attitudes about harming others, they may need guidance to prevent harmful behaviors.

Keep communication open. Create a space where your child feels safe sharing their experiences without fear of judgment. Regular check-ins about their day—both online and offline—can help uncover concerns before they escalate. Let your child know they are not alone and that you will support them no matter what.

Set online boundaries and monitor their devices. Talk to your child about digital safety. Set reasonable screen time limits, discuss privacy settings, and emphasize that their online actions have real-world consequences. Teach them about digital footprints to prevent harmful encounters before they happen; create a family media contract.

We know children need clear rules for online behavior to help keep them safe. This might include screen time limits, acceptable websites, and appropriate ways to communicate with others.

The National Bullying Prevention Center advises parents to establish rules to protect their children, such as discussing what should and shouldn’t be revealed online, keeping passwords private, setting technology curfews, and maintaining open communication about online experiences.

Additionally, a study on parental monitoring and internet restriction published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that parental monitoring and regulation of internet use are associated with reduced rates of online harassment among adolescents. Specifically, the effect of parental monitoring was significantly greater than that of internet restriction alone.

Partner with schools. Build strong relationships with teachers and school staff. Advocate for anti-bullying policies that are trauma-responsive, and ensure that your child’s school prioritizes safety and emotional well-being.

At-home outreach. The following resources can be effective tools in learning more about how to safeguard your child and family and open the lines of communication around these sensitive issues.

• National Education Association (NEA)
• Common Sense Media
• StopBullying.gov (for parents/caregivers)

Bullying and cyberbullying thrive in silence and indifference. Trauma-responsive students, schools, and families can work to replace fear with safety, break down shame with support, and eliminate cruelty with connection. As global, digital citizens, we need to safeguard one another and learn to responsibly use these incredible technological advances to positively impact our lives and avoid creating harm.