Cyberbullying is the use of electronic communication to harass or threaten someone through intimidating or hurtful messages. According to a March Bark survey, 32 percent of students reported having “experienced bullying online.” Social media platforms and schools must address cyberbullying due to its harm to adolescent mental health. This means increasing awareness in schools and taking appropriate steps such as blocking bullies, reporting incidents and seeking help from an adult.
Unlike in-person bullying, cyberbullying creates a sense of anonymity and distance, making bullies feel their actions don’t come with consequences. The result of this disassociation is harsher harassment as bullies feel braver saying things online that most likely wouldn’t be said physically.
According to the American Psychological Association, U.S. teens spend 4.8 hours daily on social media apps such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat. With annual usage increasing by about 3.2 percent nationwide, social media presence is contributing to the widespread problem of cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying is toxic and causes many negative effects on teenagers’ well-being. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), adolescents targeted by cyberbullying report increased depression, anxiety, loneliness, suicidal behavior, hopelessness, trouble sleeping, headaches and stomachaches. Online bullying also leads to intellectual difficulties and poor concentration which hinders students’ academic abilities.
The emotional toll of online harassment extends far beyond immediate feelings of unease. Research from an NIH meta-analysis reveals that teens targeted through online intimidation are 3.64 times more likely to harm themselves. This poses a severe threat to adolescent health and shows how damaging cyberbullying is to self-worth and emotional welfare.
Digital attacks can frequently feel inescapable as negative messages are relentless, leaving victims struggling to cope. Stronger support systems and quicker intervention are needed to help those who feel trapped.
The tragic death of 15-year-old Nate Bronstein, who attended the Latin School of Chicago in 2022, is a reminder of the destruction cyberbullying can cause when neglected. Despite reporting the sickening messages he was receiving from his classmates to school administrators and even providing evidence, when Bronstein reached out for help he was overlooked.
Schools across the nation need to take cyberbullying more seriously. This includes enforcing stricter policies, prioritizing students’ well-being and intervening when cyberbullying occurs.
The non-profit organization Buckets Over Bullying was founded after Bronstein’s passing to educate people on the importance of eliminating the usage of digital devices as weapons. Cyberbullying claims thousands of teenage lives annually, and platforms like this provide proper solutions that need to be taught in schools.
The first step in stopping cyberbullying is to immediately block the bully to prevent further messages.
Second, students must talk to a trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, counselor or therapist if you are being bullied or experiencing any type of threatening nature online. The adult should assist in seeking emotional support and comforting the victim. Adults can then manage further steps of reporting the incident to social media platforms or law enforcement.
High schools need to raise awareness and prioritize students’ mental health by integrating digital citizenship and online safety education programs. Courses can help students acknowledge the serious impacts of cyberbullying and provide the proper tools to navigate online conflicts.
Regardless of efforts to stop cyberbullying, ending it is challenging due to First Amendment rights and the anonymity of online platforms. The right to free speech means even offensive or hateful opinions are often legally protected. Additionally, tracing anonymous perpetrators is difficult, as the development of new technologies is making it easier for bullies to hide themselves online. These legal and technical restrictions make it difficult to stop cyberbullying while still respecting individual rights, thus creating a need for new solutions.
Social media board members must work together to enhance their efforts in preventing cyberbullying. They can create stricter policies, improve user accountability, and ensure bullies can’t simply create new anonymous accounts. Like publications, social media platforms have the First Amendment right to exercise editorial discretion over what content is published or removed on their site.
For bystanders, it’s crucial to step in and take action to stop the harassment because bullying can be recurring and hurtful. Reporting abuse, seeking help from an adult or simply giving support, can save lives and help end online harassment. Ignoring the problem only allows it to continue and could lead to extreme depression or even suicide. It’s essential to intervene at the first sign of bullying rather than allowing it to escalate.
If you’re experiencing cyberbullying, text “HOME” to 741741 (Crisis Text Line), dial 988 or visit the Wellness Center on campus.
