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Cyberbullying in 2025
In today’s digital age, technology connects young people like never before. According to a 2024 Pew Research study, 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, and nearly half say they are online “almost constantly.” With instant messaging, social media, gaming chats, and mobile apps, young people are always connected — but that constant connection can open the door to cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying is any form of bullying that takes place through digital devices like phones, computers, or gaming consoles. It can happen through texts, social media, online forums, or gaming chats and can reach kids anytime, anywhere.
Talk Early and Often:
Encourage open conversations about online experiences. Make sure your child knows they can come to you if they’re being bullied.
Keep Records:
Teach your child to screenshot or save any bullying messages. Most platforms allow you to report harmful content directly.
Don’t Engage:
Advise your child not to respond to bullying messages. Often, bullies want a reaction, and ignoring them can take away their power.
Set Boundaries:
Create tech-free zones at home and encourage taking breaks from devices. This can help reduce stress and create healthier tech habits.
Review Privacy Settings:
Ensure social media accounts are set to private, and personal information isn’t shared publicly. Limit who can message your child.
Control Contacts:
Encourage your child to only add friends and family to their contact lists and avoid accepting requests from strangers.
Monitor Apps and Games:
Check the apps and games your child uses. Many online games have chat functions that can expose kids to bullying.
Report and Block:
Show your child how to report abusive content and block bullies on social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps.
Teach Digital Footprint Awareness:
Remind your child that once something is posted online, it can be difficult to remove and could be shared widely.
Know When to Seek Help:
If bullying continues, contact the school, report it to the platform, or even involve the police if threats are made.
Childline: Call 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk
NSPCC: Call 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk
The Mix (Support for Under 25s): Call 0808 808 4994 or visit themix.org.uk
Samaritans: Call 116 123 or email [email protected]
Report Harmful Content: reportharmfulcontent.com
Your mobile provider can also help block numbers and report abuse.
Staying involved in your child’s digital life is key to helping them navigate online challenges. Regularly check in, set clear expectations, and empower them with strategies to handle negative online interactions. Technology can be a powerful tool, but it’s crucial to teach kids how to use it safely and responsibly.
Feel free to share these tips with other parents who might find them helpful.
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