Combating Cyberbullying Among Teens
- John O'Maley
- Mar 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 22
A teen girl stares at her phone in distress, highlighting the damaging isolation cyberbullying can cause.
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying uses digital technology—social media, texting, and gaming chats—to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone. With 59% of U.S. teens reporting they’ve been bullied online, many view it as a major problem among their peers. Unlike schoolyard bullying, cyberbullying can follow teens into their homes and hearts, happening anonymously at any time.
Why Does Cyberbullying Happen?
Some bullies feel protected behind a screen, seeking power or acceptance. Tragically, the consequences for victims are very real. Experts warn that cyberbullying can cause anxiety, depression, loneliness, and even thoughts of suicide.
“A single hurtful post can have lasting and widespread effects,” notes Dr. Scott Poland, a cyberbullying expert. Name-calling is the most common tactic, impacting 42% of teens, while 1 in 5 has faced rumors or social exclusion online.
Signs Your Teen May Be a Victim
Teens rarely report cyberbullying, so parents and caregivers must stay vigilant. Common warning signs include:
Sudden changes in device use—spending dramatically more or less time online.
Emotional reactions to devices—appearing anxious, angry, or sad while looking at a screen.
Secrecy—hiding screens or refusing to discuss online activities.
Avoiding school or friends—dropping activities they used to love.
Mood changes—becoming withdrawn, displaying low self-esteem, or expressing hopelessness.
If you notice these signs, gently start a conversation. Your child may feel ashamed or trapped but desperately needs your support.
Cyberbullying’s Devastating Impact
Cyberbullying can have life-or-death consequences. Consider the tragic story of Nate Bronstein, a 15-year-old sports-loving student who suffered relentless online abuse. With his parents unaware of the extent of the torment, Nate tragically took his own life. This underscores how crucial it is to address bullying early.
However, not all stories end in tragedy. Hayley, a young woman who endured severe cyberbullying, eventually found healing. Years after her torment, she forgave her bully when he sincerely apologized for the harm caused. Her story reminds us that recovery—and even redemption—is possible.
What Parents Can Do
Prevent
Start open conversations about kindness and empathy online. Teach your teen to “love your neighbor as yourself” and address digital boundaries. Guide them to be “upstanders,” not bystanders, and pray together for guidance in their interactions.
Monitor
Stay involved in your child’s online activities. Keep devices in common areas, ask questions about their day, and watch for the warning signs listed above. Many teens stay silent out of fear their devices will be confiscated—reassure them that your goal is their safety, not punishment.
Support
If your child faces cyberbullying, document the abuse (screenshots, messages) and report it to schools and platforms. Surround them with love to rebuild their self-esteem and consider counseling to aid recovery. Help them forgive their tormentors when they’re ready, empowering them to move forward.
A Community Effort
Combating cyberbullying requires families, schools, and faith communities to work together. Schools should implement clear reporting systems, train staff on handling incidents, and teach digital citizenship. Faith leaders and families can foster empathy through moral teachings and youth group discussions. Together, communities can create a compassionate environment where bullying is unacceptable.
Why It Matters
Victims of bullying carry lifelong scars—difficulty trusting others, social anxiety, and even self-destructive behaviors. But bullies also face spiritual and emotional consequences, ranging from guilt to a hardened character. Parents have a critical role in guiding teens toward faith-based compassion, reminding them that their words have the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). By modeling and teaching kindness, we can counter the cruelty online and foster courage to stand against bullying.
Final Thoughts
Cyberbullying is complex and pervasive, but we are not powerless. Through proactive parenting, strengthened communities, and faith-led compassion, we can protect this generation. With awareness and love, we can shine a light in the digital darkness—ensuring that every teen knows they are valued and never alone.
Deacon John O'Maley
Founder
Parents Protecting Children, Inc.
Empowering Catholic families to navigate the digital world with faith, safety, & responsibility
Reference List
Pew Research Center (2022)“Teens and Cyberbullying 2022”https://www.pewresearch.org
Provides national data on teen cyberbullying rates, types (name-calling, rumor-spreading, threats), and perceptions of adult inaction.
StopBullying.gov“Warning Signs a Child is Being Bullied”https://www.stopbullying.gov
Offers signs and behaviors indicating that a child may be a victim of bullying or cyberbullying.
Thriveworks Counseling“The Long-Term Effects of Bullying”https://thriveworks.com
Describes emotional and psychological impacts of bullying, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
CBS News“Teen Dies by Suicide After Alleged Cyberbullying at Elite School” (Case of Nate Bronstein)https://www.cbsnews.com
A real-life example of the tragic consequences of cyberbullying.
Tyler Clementi Foundation“Stories of Hope and Healing”https://tylerclementi.org
Provides redemption stories of cyberbullying survivors and former bullies seeking forgiveness.
OnlineMSWPrograms.com“What Is Cyberbullying? How to Recognize and Stop It” – Expert Quotes from Dr. Scott Poland and othershttps://www.onlinemswprograms.com/resources/cyberbullying/
Expert insights into the severity and scope of cyberbullying.
Wake Forest Law Review“When Schools Look the Other Way: Why Cyberbullying Goes Unaddressed”https://wakeforestlawreview.com
Analysis of legal and administrative challenges schools face in addressing cyberbullying.
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