What Is Cyberbullying? Statistics, Warning Signs, And Effects

Digital technology and the internet have brought us many benefits, such as the ability to communicate with others around the world, to research any topic, and to order delivery of whatever we need at the click of a button. However, they also come with their drawbacks.  Below, you can find out more about what cyberbullying looks like, warning signs that may indicate your child is experiencing this form of abuse, and actions you can take next.

Cyberbullying, defined

According to stopbullying.gov, bullying is “unwanted, aggressive behavior” that involves “a real or perceived power imbalance” and is repeated over time. Cyberbullying is when this behavior takes place via smartphones, social media, video games, or through the internet in some other way, meaning it has the potential to have an even more widespread impact and for the perpetrators. This same source notes that cyberbullying can include “sending, posting negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else”.

Instances of bullying are more commonly seen among children but can be experienced by adults as well—especially in the workplace and online, with the latter often taking the form of cyberstalking or cyberharassment. According to one survey, around 30% of American adults say they’ve been bullied at their place of work. Those who work remotely are reported to experience even higher rates of bullying—or cyberbullying, since it primarily takes place through virtual meetings. 43.2% of American adults report experiencing this type of cyberbullying at work according to the same survey.

Statistics about cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is becoming an increasingly pervasive problem, especially among young people. The following statistics give insight into this issue:

• According to Pew Research Center, 52% of those between the ages of 15–17 say they use the internet “almost constantly”, with 36% of those between 13–14 saying the same, meaning that they’re spending large amounts of time in virtual spaces where cyberbullying can happen.

• Those who experience cyberbullying are significantly more likely to be “heavy internet users” than those who do not.

• Approximately 37% of those between the ages of 12 and 17 report having experienced cyberbullying.

• Both targets and perpetrators of cyberbullying are at greater risk for self-harming and suicidal behaviors, with targets 2.10 times more likely to exhibit suicidal behaviors than non-targets and perpetrators 1.21 times more likely than non-perpetrators to do the same.

• Bullying behaviors in person seem to be related to bullying behaviors online, with one study suggesting that “those who are bullied at school are bullied online and those who bully at school bully online”.

Effects of bullying or being bullied

Experiencing virtual bullying can be just as harmful as experiencing it in person. Regardless of where bullying takes place, it can have the following effects on the person being targeted:

• A higher risk of developing depression and anxiety
• Lower self-esteem and self-worth
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble in school
• Physical health complaints like headaches and stomachaches
• Increased risk of problematic substance use
• Increased risk of eating disorders
• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

If not addressed, these effects can continue to impact an individual over time and lead to additional complications. That’s why it’s important to seek help if you’re experiencing cyberbullying, or to take action if you notice the warning signs in your child.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

It’s also worth noting that those who engage in bullying behaviors can also experience harmful effects over time, which is why it’s in the best interest of both parties to put a stop to such behavior. As one study on the topic reports, those who engage in bullying may be more likely to experience antisocial personality disorders, substance use issues, depression, and anxiety disorders in young adulthood. They may also experience trouble with school performance and social development.

Cyberbullying warning signs

In addition, you can watch for the following warning signs that could indicate your child is being cyberbullied: 

• Nervousness when they receive a text or other notification on their phone
• Anxiety about going to school or pretending that they’re sick to avoid it
• Being secretive about their internet activity
• Demonstrating anger or depression symptoms that are out of character, especially if they coincide with being online
• Hastily shutting off or walking away from their phone or computer while they’re in the middle of doing something on it
• Spending much more or much less time on their phone or computer than they usually do
• Deactivating social media accounts that they were once very involved in
• Asking how to block others on social media
• Being reserved on occasions when they are usually outgoing and involved
• Isolating themselves from others
• Complaining of stomach aches or headaches without a known cause
• Not sleeping well
• Gaining or losing weight with no known cause
• Having suicidal thoughts, self-harming, or attempting suicide

What to do about cyberbullying

If you’re experiencing cyberbullying or have discovered that your child is experiencing it, it can be important to take action to preserve your or their mental well-being. First, contacting their school may be helpful. Statistics show that schools that have implemented anti-bullying programs have seen incidents reduced by up to 50%. 

If you find out that they’re experiencing cyberbullying, it’s usually wise to document the events as thoroughly as possible with screenshots and timestamps. As stopbullying.gov posted, “Most laws and policies note that bullying is a repeated behavior, so records help to document it”. If the bullying takes place on social media platforms, you may be able to report the content as harassment and have it removed. If threats or other illegal activities are taking place, you can file a report with the police.

Healing from bullying

If you’ve been involved with cyberbullying, it may help you heal to speak to a mental health professional. A therapist can offer you a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can express and process your emotions. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition as a result of cyberbullying, they can assist you in addressing these as well. It can also be difficult to learn that your child has been experiencing cyberbullying, and a therapist can support you through this experience too.

Some people find the prospect of meeting with a therapist in person to be intimidating or inconvenient. In cases like these, online therapy can represent a more comfortable option. Research suggests that there’s “no difference in effectiveness” between online and in-person therapy, so you can feel confident in choosing the method that’s right for you. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who you can speak with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging. Or, if you’re interested in online therapy for your child, TeenCounseling offers the same services for those between the ages of 13–18 with parental consent.