Effects of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying, while often associated with cyberstalking, is a very serious issue on its own and one that has been increasing in prevalence over the past few years. Cyberbullying can have devastating effects on those who are targeted and those who witness it happening to someone else.

Written and edited by our team of expert legal content writers and reviewed and approved by Attorney Matthew Bergman

Written and edited by our team of expert legal content writers and reviewed and approved by

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Cyberbullying is becoming increasingly common among teenagers. A 2022 Pew Research Center studyPew Research Center study found that 46% of teens say they experienced cyberbullying when online or on their cell phones. While bullying existed before the internet, the rise of smartphones and social media sites has led to a more public forum where bullies can exploit victims online.  

Cyberbullying is defined as the use of electronic communication to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone. This can include sending mean texts or emails, posting hurtful messages on social media sites, or spreading rumors online.

Cyberbullying can have devastating effects on those who are targeted and those who witness it happening to someone else. 

The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System found that nearly 16% of high school students had been cyberbullied in the previous year. A Cyberbullying Research Center study claims that 73% of cyberbullied teenagers experienced it on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. Social media sites are very public, so the messages can be seen by many people very quickly. Plus, social media sites allow people to share their thoughts and feelings anonymously, which makes it easier for them to be mean or hurtful.

Besides social media sites, cyberbullying also takes place on different online networking sites.

  • Nearly half of all teenagers cyberbullied were harassed through texting and messaging apps.
  • Online Messaging, including instant messaging (IMs) and direct messaging (DMs), allow people to send messages quickly and privately, making it easier to cyberbully a teen privately.
  • People can talk to each other on online forums, chat rooms, and message boards to discuss topics or share ideas but these spaces can also be used for cyberbullying.
  • While many teenagers enjoy online gaming, these games can also be used to harass or threaten someone while they’re playing. Their personal information may be shared without their consent. 
  • Even email can be used to send harassing messages directly – and to open the victim up to more cyberbullying by sharing their email address with others.

Teenagers who are victims of cyberbullying may experience a range of negative emotions, such as sadness, anger, fear, and embarrassment. These victims are also more likely to have mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. They may feel isolated and alone, as if they have no one to turn to. The Cyberbullying Research Center also found that teenagers who experience cyberbullying are more likely to experience other forms of bullying, such as face-to-face bullying and online harassment.

Cyberbullying can cause teen victims to suffer academically. They may have trouble concentrating, and even be too embarrassed to go to school or participate in class. They may also receive lower grades than they normally would.

There are also negative physical effects associated with cyberbullying, including headaches, stomach aches, and sleeping problems. 

Victims of cyberbullying may have trouble forming relationships with other people. They may be afraid to trust anyone and avoid socializing with others.

Cyberbullying can even have adverse effects on those who just witness it happening to someone else. Witnesses may feel scared, helpless, and sad. They may also have trouble sleeping and eating and may even develop anxiety and depression.

There are things a teenager who falls victim to cyberbullying can do to get help.

  • Talk to a trusted parent, guardian, friend, teacher, or counselor about what’s going on. They may be able to help you get the bullying stopped.
  • Keep evidence of cyberbullying, including screenshots of any bullying messages, emails, or posts that were sent.
  • Block the bully from making contact. This can be done on most social media sites and messaging apps.
  • Report the cyberbullying to the website or app where it took place.
  • Seek professional help if feeling overwhelmed or suicidal.
  • Seek out support groups or counseling for victims of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying has many dire consequences for teenagers, including victims, witnesses, and even bullies. Parents should be aware of these effects and take action if they believe their teen is being cyberbullied.

Parents can show their support for their teens in many ways. Some parents might want to show their support through words, while others might show it through actions. No matter what you do, make sure that your teen knows you’re there for them and that you will help them stop the bullying. Listen to your teen without judgment and let your teen know that you support them.

Parents of cyberbullied teens can also help them block the bully from contacting them. Blocking a contact can be done on both social media sites and messaging apps. You can also report cyberbullying to the website or app where it’s happening.

Teens experiencing adverse effects from cyberbullying may need professional help. Make sure that you help them seek out support if they need it.

The Social Media Victims Law Center works to hold social media companies legally accountable for the harm they inflict on vulnerable users. If you have questions or concerns – or your teen has suffered psychological or physical harm due to cyberbullying – contact The Social Media Victims Law Center. Reach out to our team today for a free confidential case evaluation.

The effects of cyberbullying can be devastating for the victims. They may experience various negative emotions, such as sadness, anger, frustration, and humiliation. They may also feel isolated and alone as if they have no one to turn to. The victims may also suffer academically, as they may be too embarrassed to go to school or participate in class. In some cases, the victims may even consider suicide.

What Are The Effects of Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying can also have adverse effects on those who witness it happening to someone else. They may feel scared, helpless, and sad. They may also have trouble sleeping and eating and may even develop anxiety and depression.

Moreover the victims, as well as the bullies, may experience mental, emotional, physical, and psychological problems.

Generally, cyberbullying effects can be classified under the following:

  • Psychological effects
  • Physical effects
  • Emotional effects
  • Mental effects

1. Psychological Effects of Cyberbullying

The psychological effects of cyberbullying can be just as damaging as the physical effects. Victims of cyberbullying may experience a range of negative emotions, such as sadness, anger, fear, and embarrassment. They may also feel isolated and alone.

  • Low Self-Esteem
  • Isolation and Withdrawal
  • Harmful habits

2. Physical Effects of Cyberbullying

The physical effects of cyberbullying is seen in the person’s physical health. Some of these effects include:

  • Headaches
  • Stomach aches
  • Sleeping problems

3. Mental Effects of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can also have a negative impact on the victim’s schoolwork. Victims may have trouble concentrating in class and may not want to go to school. They may also receive lower grades than they usually would.

The mental effects include

  • Anxiety
  • Loss of concentration
  • Self-harm
  • Suicidal thoughts

4. Emotional Effects of Cyberbullying

Victims of cyberbullying may also have trouble forming relationships with other people. They may be afraid to trust anyone and may not want to socialize with others. This can lead to them feeling lonely and isolated.

The emotional effects of cyberbullying include:

  • Depression
  • Shame
  • Guilt
  • Embarrassment
effects of cyberbullying on social media
Legal Help for Cyberbullying

Has social media cyberbullying impacted your family? An attorney can help you understand your legal options.

Cyberbullying Is Common on Social Media

Social media sites are very public, so the messages can be seen by many people very quickly. Additionally, social media sites allow people to share their thoughts and feelings anonymously, making it easier to be mean or hurtful.

According to a Cyberbullying Research Center study, 73% of teenagers who have been cyberbullied have experienced it on social media. The most common sites for cyberbullying are Facebook, followed by Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.

Cyberbullying Among Teens

Statistics show that cyberbullying happens more often among teenagers than adults. So, let’s look at the numbers:

  • In fact, a 2022 study by Pew Research Center found that 46% of teenagers who use the internet have experienced some form of cyberbullying, compared to 41% of adults in a 2017 study.
  • The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) found that over 15.7% of high school students had been bullied electronically in the previous year.
  • Over 37% of children have experienced cyberbullying. Around 30% have been targeted more than once.
  • Almost 34% of all kids in the US have been cyberbullied at least once, while 68% of kids who have been harassed online have mental health issues.

Cyberbullying is becoming increasingly common among teenagers. The Pew Research Center study mentioned earlier found that the percentage of teenagers who have experienced cyberbullying has increased from 41% in 2012 to 59% in 2015. This may be because more and more teenagers are using smartphones and social media sites, and these sites are becoming more popular among this age group.

The Cyberbullying Research Center also found that teenagers who experience cyberbullying are more likely to experience other forms of bullying, such as face-to-face bullying and online harassment. They are also more likely to have mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.

Other Places Where Cyberbullying Happens Online

Besides social media sites, the various types of cyberbullying also take place on different online networking sites. These include:

1. Texting and messaging apps

The most common app for cyberbullying is text messaging. About half of all teenagers cyberbullied were harassed through text messages.

2. Messaging online, including Instant messaging and direct messaging

Instant messaging (IM) and direct messaging (DM) are popular ways to cyberbully someone. These apps allow people to send messages quickly and privately, making it easier to cyberbully someone privately.

3. Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards

Forums, chat rooms, and message boards are places where people can talk to each other online. They can be used for positive purposes, such as discussing a topic or sharing ideas. However, they’re also used for negative purposes, such as cyberbullying.

4. Email

Email is another way that people can cyberbully each other.

5. Online gaming spaces

Many teenagers enjoy playing online games. However, these games can also be used to cyberbully someone. The person who is being bullied may be harassed or threatened while they’re playing the game. Additionally, their personal information may be shared without their consent. This can lead to them being harassed offline as well.

Tips for Teens Who Fall Victim to Cyberbullying

If you’re a teenager and you fall victim to cyberbullying, there are some things that you can do to help yourself.

  • Talk to someone that you trust about what’s going on. This could be a parent, friend, teacher, or counselor.
  • Keep evidence of cyberbullying. This includes screenshots of the messages, emails, or posts that were sent to you.
  • Block the bully from contacting you. You can do this on social media sites and messaging apps.
  • Report the cyberbullying to the website or app where it took place.
  • Tell your parents or guardians about what’s going on. They may be able to help you get the bullying stopped.
  • Seek professional help if you’re feeling overwhelmed or suicidal.
  • Seek out support groups or counseling for victims of cyberbullying.

As you can see, it’s important for both parents and teenagers to be aware of cyberbullying and its effects.

teenage girl experiencing cyber bullying

Talking to Your Teen About Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying has many adverse effects on teenagers, both victims and bullies. Parents should be aware of these effects and take action if they believe their teen is being cyberbullied.

Here are a few things that parents can do if they think their teen is being cyberbullied.

1. Talk to Your Teen About What’s Going On

Start with open-ended questions to get your teen talking. Ask what’s going on, what they’re feeling, and whether they’ve tried to stop the bullying. Listen without judgment and let your teen know that you support them.

2. Show Your Teen That You Support Them

Parents can show their support for their teens in many ways. Some parents might want to show their support through words, while others might show it through actions. No matter what you do, make sure that your teen knows that you’re there for them and that you will help them get the bullying stopped.

3. Help Your Teen Block the Bully From Contacting Them

If your teen is being cyberbullied, help them block the bully from contacting them. This can be done on social media sites and messaging apps.

4. Report the Cyberbullying to the Website or App Where It Took Place

If your teen is being cyberbullied, report it to the website or app where it’s happening. This will help get the bullying stopped.

5. Get Professional Help if Your Teen Is Feeling Overwhelmed or Suicidal

If your teen is experiencing many adverse effects from cyberbullying, they may need professional help. Make sure that you encourage young people to seek out help and support if they need it.

Cyberbullying can have serious consequences for both the victims and the bullies themselves. Therefore, both parents and teenagers should know the effects to prevent cyberbullying from happening or deal with it if it does occur.

Make sure your children and young adults know how to protect themselves online. Parents should also be aware of the signs that their child may be a victim of cyberbullying so that they can take action if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

For individuals and children who have been

We only handle cases on a contingent fee basis. This means that we are paid a portion of any recovery obtained in the case and you do not owe us any attorneys’ fees if the lawsuit does not result in a recovery.

Every case is unique. Our attorneys will work with your family to evaluate your potential case and help you evaluate whether filing a lawsuit or other legal proceeding is in your family’s best interest. Generally speaking, the types of cases we handle involve serious mental health effects, including attempted or completed suicide, eating disorders, inpatient mental health treatment, or sexual trafficking/exploitation that was caused by or contributed to through addictive or problematic social media use by teens and young adults.

We are a law firm based near Seattle, WA comprised of lawyers who have spent their entire careers representing victims who have been harmed by dangerous products. We are also parents. Shocked and troubled by the recent revelations about the harm caused to teens and young adults by social media platforms, which powerful technology companies have designed to be highly addictive, Social Media Victims Law Center was launched specifically to help families and children who have suffered serious mental harm or exploitation through social media use to obtain justice.

Matthew Bergman
Content Reviewed by:

Matthew P. Bergman

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