Every age group is vulnerable to cyberbullying, but teenagers and young adults are common victims. Cyberbullying is a growing problem in schools and has become an issue because the internet is fairly anonymous, which is appealing to bullies because their intimidation is difficult to trace. Unfortunately, rumors, threats and photos can be disseminated online very quickly.

Help protect kids against cyberbullying with these tips:

Limit where your children post personal information

Be careful who can access contact information or details about your children’s interests, habits or employment to reduce their exposure to bullies that they do not know. Limiting the information about them online may also limit their risk of becoming a victim and may make it easier to identify the bully if they are victimized.

Avoid escalating the situation

Responding with hostility is likely to provoke a bully. Depending on the circumstances, consider ignoring the issue. Often, bullies thrive on the reaction of their victims. If you or your child receives unwanted email messages, consider changing your email address. The problem may stop. If you continue to get messages at the new account, you may have a strong case for legal action.

Document cyberbullying

Keep a record of any online activity (e.g., emails, web pages, social media posts), including relevant dates and times. Keep both an electronic version and a printed copy of each document.

Block and report on social media

If the bullying occurs on social media, block the person any platforms and in email. Report the incident to the website; many social media platforms and other websites encourage users to report incidents of cyberbullying.

Report cyberbullying to the appropriate authorities

If you are experiencing cyberbullying yourself – or if your child is being bullied or threatened online, report the activity to the local authorities. Your local police department or FBI branch are good starting points. There is a distinction between free speech and punishable offenses. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors can help sort out legal implications. It may also be appropriate to report it to school officials who may have separate policies for dealing with activity that involves students.

• If the communications become more frequent, the threats more severe, the methods more dangerous and if third-parties (such as hate groups and sexually deviant groups) become involved—the more likely law enforcement needs to be contacted and a legal process initiated.

How to Report Cyberbullying on Social Media and Gaming Platforms

• Instagram 

• Twitter 

• TikTok

• YouTube 

• Reddit 

• Snapchat: WikiHow, Parent's Guide, Wellness Guide

• Twitch 

• Discord 

• Steam: Community Page 

• Epic Games 

• Xbox 

• Playstation 

• Facebook: more info 

• LinkedIn 

• Pinterest 

• WhatsApp

Download the Anti-Cyberbullying Toolkit

Parents and Educators: What to Do About Cyberbullying

You Can Stop Cyberbullying As A Kid!

The Modern Teen’s Guide to Handing Out L’s to Cyberbullies

Additional Resources

• StopBullying.gov 

• CyberSmile: Bullying and Cyberbullying Helplines

• R;pple Suicide Prevention

• The Sandbox at Madeline's Place

• Cyberbullying.org: Cyberbullying Resource Center

• RAINN: How to Filter, Block, and Report Harmful Content on Social Media

• The Smart Talk

• Back to School Anti- Cyberbullying: Parents and teachers can watch this video with elementary school children

• Troubleshooting Central: Cyberbullying Statistics to Know

Sign up to receive your free toolkit to help parents, teachers, kids, students and others recognize and report cyberbullying. This toolkit includes:

• Printable PDF tip sheets for parents, educators, Kids & Teens

• Social media graphics and sample posts

• Sample posts to use on social media

• An infographic

• A flowchart on reporting cyberbullying

Learn more about cyberbullying

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