Cyberbullying hurts kids in ways we can see and in ways we cannot see. It follows them into their bedrooms, their school days, and their minds. It shows up in comments, DMs, group chats, and games. It can be fast, loud, and public. It can also be quiet and constant, like a drip that never stops. As parents and teachers, we want clear facts, plain language, and steps that work. That is what this guide gives you. We will walk through thirty key numbers that explain how common cyberbullying is, where it happens, and what it does to a child’s mood, sleep, grades, and confidence. After every number, you will get simple actions you can take today. No scare tactics. No jargon. Just what helps.
1) About 1 in 3 teens say they have been cyberbullied at least once in their life.
Why this number matters
When one out of three teens says they have faced cyberbullying, it means this is not rare or distant. It is part of daily online life. A child can meet it in a comment thread, a DM, a group chat, or an online class. Because online spaces are always on, the stress can feel endless.
Many teens try to handle it alone. They fear losing their phone or freedom if they tell an adult. This silence lets harm grow. The first goal is to make it normal to talk about it. The second goal is to act early, before problems spread or become a habit for the bully or a wound for the victim.
What it looks like in real life
Cyberbullying can be loud, like a wave of mean comments under a photo, or quiet, like a friend who stops replying and then jokes about you to others in a private group. It can be a fake account that mocks your looks, your body, your family, or your culture.
It can be messages that push you to feel small, wrong, or unsafe. It may come once, or it may repeat for weeks. The child may seem glued to the screen, then suddenly refuse to look at it at all. Sleep can change. Mood can swing. Grades can slip. You may only see fragments, but the whole picture hurts.
What you can do today
Start with a simple check-in. Keep your voice calm and your face kind. Ask how online life feels this week. Ask what made them smile and what made them frown. Set a shared rule that screenshots are your friend. Teach your child to save proof, not just react.
Create a safe code word they can text when they need help fast. Practice three steady responses together: ignore and do not reply, block and report, and tell a trusted adult. Make a short family plan that lists who to tell at school and how to contact the app’s help team.
If you want structured support, Debsie classes walk kids through real chat examples and role-play ways to respond with confidence and care.
2) Around 1 in 6 teens admit they have cyberbullied someone else at least once.
Why this number matters
Many teens who bully online are not villains. Often they are stressed, bored, or copying what they see from peers or influencers. They may not see the person on the other side as real. When one in six admits to doing it, we must treat this not only as a victim issue but also as a behavior issue we can change.
Shame is not a plan. Skills are a plan. A teen who learns empathy, impulse control, and better ways to get attention can change fast. Schools and families that teach repair, not only punishment, see fewer repeat cases.
What it looks like in real life
A teen may send a sarcastic joke that crosses a line, pile on a negative comment to feel part of the group, or share a private message to get laughs. They might think it is harmless because they cannot see tears or hear a shaky voice.
They may hide behind a group chat where everyone is posting heat, and it feels normal to keep going. Later they may feel guilty and pull away from the target and even from friends who were involved. This cycle can cause lasting damage to trust and to the teen’s own sense of self.
What you can do today
Open the door to honest talk without fear. Say clearly that telling the truth will not lead to losing all screens forever. Ask your child to imagine the message landing on their own phone. Practice the two-minute pause before posting when emotions run high.
Teach the stop, think, type method where the first two steps take longer than the last. If harm has happened, guide your child to repair. A short, sincere apology that names the action and the impact can help.
Help them remove the post, report it if needed, and set a boundary with the group that fueled the behavior. Debsie coaches help teens build a growth mindset so they can admit mistakes, fix them, and move on stronger.
3) About 2 in 3 teens say they have seen someone else get cyberbullied online.
Why this number matters
Most cyberbullying is witnessed by peers. That means bystanders hold real power. When two out of three teens have seen it, we can train most teens to become quiet guardians or active helpers.
A single, well-timed message of support can stop a pile-on. A calm note to the target can give them strength to block, report, or tell an adult. Teaching kids what to do when they see harm is one of the fastest ways to reduce it.
What it looks like in real life
A teen scrolls past a friend’s photo and sees cruel comments. They feel a knot in their stomach but keep scrolling because they fear becoming a target too. Or they send a private message that says sorry, but they do not speak up in the public thread.
Sometimes they add a neutral comment to change the subject but do not address the harm. Without a clear plan, fear wins and silence spreads. The target feels alone, and the bully misreads silence as support.
What you can do today
Teach three safe bystander moves. First, support the target in private with a kind message and a reminder that they are not alone. Second, if safe, post a short, neutral line that shifts the tone, like this is not OK, let’s be kind, and then stop there.
Third, capture proof and help the target report. Practice these moves in a calm moment so they feel natural when stress appears. Remind your child that they do not need to fight online to do good.
They can also help by checking in at school and offering to sit together at lunch. In Debsie classes, we role-play bystander moves and teach confident, low-risk language that stops harm without starting a bigger fight.
4) Girls report cyberbullying about 5–10 percentage points more often than boys.
Why this number matters
The gap shows that girls more often face image-based attacks, comments on looks, and social shaming. It also shows that girls may be more willing to report or talk about it. Either way, the data tells us to tailor support.
Girls often navigate complex friend groups where online approval can feel like oxygen. A single post can change how a group treats someone for weeks. Helping girls build inner anchors and strong digital habits reduces risk and builds long-term confidence.
What it looks like in real life
A girl posts a selfie and receives not just one mean comment, but a chain of side chats rating her body, her skin, or her clothes. She may be added to a group just to be mocked and then removed.
She may also face silent treatment online, where friends view her stories but ignore her messages, which can sting even more. This type of social control can make a child question their worth. It can also push risky behavior as they try to win back attention.
What you can do today
Talk openly about body image, filters, and the difference between performance and real life. Help your child set gentle posting rules, like waiting a few minutes before checking comments and limiting time spent reading reactions. Practice lines that end a bad chat fast, such as I do not talk like this about people and I am out.
Encourage diverse friend circles in and out of school so one group does not hold all the power. If an image-based attack happens, act quickly to report, request takedown, and document. Offer a calm space at home where the phone can rest at night so sleep can heal the mind.
Debsie’s digital wellness lessons teach girls to spot red flags, set boundaries, and build resilience so online storms do not define their day.
5) LGBTQ+ teens report cyberbullying about twice as often as non-LGBTQ+ teens.
Why this number matters
When a group faces double the harm, we must give double the care. LGBTQ+ teens often deal with identity-based attacks that target who they are, who they love, or how they present. These messages are not only mean.
They try to make a young person feel unsafe in their own skin. That kind of hit can cut deeper and last longer. It can also make a teen feel alone even when they sit in a crowded classroom. The number tells us we need safe adults, safe peers, and clear school steps that protect kids from targeted abuse.
It also shows that pride, support, and skills are not extras. They are basic safety tools.
What it looks like in real life
A teen might get DMs that mock their pronouns, their clothes, or the people they date. They may be added to hate-filled group chats or tagged in posts loaded with slurs. Some teens face threats of being outed, where a bully plans to share private information or photos to hurt them.
Others see their identity turned into a joke that spreads fast. The teen might shrink their online life to avoid fresh attacks, or they might fight back hard and then feel burnt out. Both paths can drain their energy for school, hobbies, and rest.
What you can do today
Start by stating clear support at home. Use the name and pronouns your child shares. Make your home the safe base where they can lay down their armor. Help them build a tight privacy setup on every app, including who can tag them, message them, or see their stories.
Teach fast tools like block, mute, and restrict, and practice how to report hate speech with the right labels so platforms act. Create a personal safety net that includes one trusted adult at school and one peer ally who will check in if something happens.
If a threat involves outing, save proof, contact the school, and reach out to the platform’s safety team right away. In Debsie classes, we teach calm scripts for responding or not responding, plus ways to rebuild confidence through small wins in projects, code challenges, and teamwork that remind a child they are more than a comment box.
6) Cyberbullying is most common in ages 12–15, then drops slightly after age 16.
Why this number matters
Early teens are learning who they are and where they fit. Social rules shift fast, and phones amplify every moment. Between 12 and 15, many kids get their first personal device, join larger groups online, and test limits. This age also brings new schools, new teachers, and new friend circles.
More change means more chances for conflict and mistakes. Knowing the risk peaks here lets families and schools front-load coaching and structures. A strong start across these years can prevent patterns from taking root and can make later teen years calmer.
What it looks like in real life
In middle school and early high school, drama often spills from hallways into group chats and back again. A joke posted at 8 p.m. becomes a rumor by homeroom. Screenshots fly. Kids try on edgy humor or copy an influencer’s harsh style without seeing the impact.
Because impulse control is still growing, a teen may post before thinking, then feel stuck when the reaction turns ugly. Targets may delete posts, switch accounts, or pretend it does not matter while stress builds up inside.
What you can do today
Create a starter plan for the first phone or the first big social account. Write down when and where the phone sleeps at night, how long social time lasts on school days, and what happens when something goes wrong.
Practice a reset ritual for hot moments: put the phone down, breathe slowly for sixty seconds, step into another room, then decide the next move. Teach the rewind rule for posts by asking, would I be okay if this were read out loud in class tomorrow?
Build offline anchors like sports, music, and hands-on projects, because kids who have strong real-world wins rely less on risky online attention. Debsie’s early-teen modules blend digital safety with growth skills like focus and emotional control, so kids learn to pause, choose, and then act with care.
7) About 60–70% of reported cyberbullying happens on social media apps.
Why this number matters
Most harm happens where most eyes are. Social platforms are built to spread posts fast and keep people engaged. That is great for sharing art or news, but it also means a cruel comment can reach a crowd in seconds.
Public threads make it easy for others to join in, and the mix of likes, shares, and tags can turn a small dig into a large attack. When we know the main stage, we can focus safety steps there. This includes strong privacy settings, mindful posting habits, and clear plans for reporting and takedowns.
What it looks like in real life
A teen might share a new haircut, a game win, or a dance video. Most comments are kind, but a few set the tone with mockery or harsh ratings. Someone tags a friend who adds more heat, and soon strangers jump in. The target feels trapped, because silence feels like losing and replying seems to feed the fire.
They may start checking comments every few minutes, hoping the tide turns. Sleep suffers. Meals are rushed. Homework fades into the background as the comment count becomes the only number that matters.
What you can do today
Make the default account setting private unless there is a clear reason to go public. Review who can comment and who can tag, and consider limits like followers-only comments. Teach the one-minute delay before posting, where a teen re-reads the caption and scans the photo for private details like school logos or street signs.
Show how to filter words so common insults are held for review or hidden. Practice the clean exit from a messy thread by posting one short boundary line if needed and then blocking and reporting. Keep a folder for screenshots with dates, and write down the steps taken, so you have a trail if the issue grows.
At Debsie, we coach kids through real platform settings, step by step, and help them build a calm posting rhythm that favors joy, craft, and learning over constant reaction.
8) Roughly 20–30% happens through private texts or group chats.
Why this number matters
Private messages feel small, but they can sting the most. A hurtful text lands right in a teen’s hand, often late at night when emotions are high and support is asleep. Group chats add pressure because many eyes are watching. Inside jokes, sarcasm, and quick replies can turn mean without anyone planning it.
Since these spaces are closed, adults cannot see trouble building. The result is steady stress that chips away at focus, mood, and sleep. Knowing that a big slice of cyberbullying hides in chats helps us build quiet defenses, not just public ones.
What it looks like in real life
A teen wakes to a phone full of pings. The group shifted while they slept. Memes target their looks or their hobbies. Someone posts a fake screenshot to make them look rude. Another threatens to kick them out unless they play along.
In one-to-one texts, a former friend sends mixed messages, nice one day and cutting the next. The teen rereads every line, trying to guess what is real. Homework waits while they draft replies in their head. They fear missing out if they leave, but they feel sick if they stay. This push and pull drains energy and joy from the day.
What you can do today
Set clear chat boundaries as a family. Pick quiet hours when the phone rests outside the bedroom and the brain gets to reset. Teach your child to prune group chats often. If a chat often turns cruel, they can leave it and explain later in person if needed.
Practice the calm, short exit line that ends debate, such as this chat is not healthy for me, I am stepping out. Show them how to mute threads that are busy but not harmful, so they can study and sleep. Help them create small circles with people who share their values.
Remind them to save proof before leaving if harmful messages appear. In Debsie sessions, we rehearse chat exits, smart privacy for messaging apps, and ways to rebuild healthy digital spaces with trusted peers.
9) About 10–20% happens in online games and gaming voice chats.
Why this number matters
Games are social spaces with fast talk and quick emotions. When teams lose, tempers flare. Voice chat can spread insults faster than text, and the mix of strangers and friends can make it confusing to respond. Many kids love games, so harm here can take away a major source of fun and stress relief.
This number reminds us to treat game safety as part of digital life, not a side issue. Strong settings and steady habits can protect playtime and keep skills and joy growing.
What it looks like in real life
A child joins a match and hears slurs, threats, or orders to quit. Teammates blame them for every mistake. A stranger sends a friend request, then spams messages after being refused. Some players target a child who sounds younger on voice chat, telling them to uninstall or worse.
The child may mute everyone and play alone, or they may argue back and feel fired up long after the game ends. Sleep gets shorter. Tilt grows. The game that once helped them relax becomes a source of dread.
What you can do today
Walk through game settings together before the next match. Turn on strict privacy so only friends can chat, invite, or join parties. Teach your child to use quick controls like mute all, block, and report, and to do it early in a match if talk turns ugly.
Set a two-match cool-down rule after heated games, where the console rests and the body resets with water, stretching, or a short walk. Encourage co-op games with known friends and clear roles, which tend to be safer than open lobbies.
Keep the console or PC in a shared space if possible, so small issues are visible before they grow. Debsie’s digital citizenship units include game scenarios where kids practice one-line boundaries and fast safety moves while keeping the fun of play.
10) Among social apps, image-heavy platforms get named most often by victims.
Why this number matters
Photos and videos carry power. They also invite quick judgments about looks, clothes, home, and friends. Filters and edits raise the bar in ways no one can meet in real life. When platforms center images, comments often focus on bodies and status.
That can fuel envy, teasing, and shaming. Teens may tie their self-worth to likes and views. Knowing that image-first spaces draw more reports helps us coach thoughtful posting, careful sharing, and strong inner anchors that do not bend with every reaction.
What it looks like in real life
A teen posts a dance clip. At first the likes roll in. Then a few users zoom in on a frame and mock a pose. Someone reposts with a cruel caption. The teen deletes, reposts, and tries again. They start to take dozens of shots before sharing one.
Meals get cold while they edit. They stop doing activities they love unless they can film them. Real life becomes content. Their joy depends on charts they do not control, and each small dip feels like failure. This cycle can lead to risky trends, unsafe stunts, or spending money they do not have to keep up.
What you can do today
Teach the difference between creating and chasing. Help your child post because they want to share a real moment, not to fish for a number. Set a simple rule: if an image shows skin, location, or school details, pause and review together.
Encourage creative projects that focus on craft over looks, like coding a filter, drawing a storyboard, or filming a how-to guide. Show how to limit who can comment and how to hide words that cross the line.
Practice the kind close after a shaky post, where your teen thanks supportive friends, turns off the app, and moves their body. Guide them to follow creators who teach, build, and care, not just those who rate and roast. In Debsie classes, kids learn media literacy with hands-on challenges that build pride in skills, not just in selfies.
11) About 1 in 10 teens say someone shared an embarrassing photo or video of them without consent.
Why this number matters
Non-consensual sharing breaks trust and safety. It can spread fast and feel impossible to stop. Even when the content is not explicit, the shame can be heavy. A young person may fear walking into school or logging on at all.
This number pushes us to teach consent as a core rule of digital life. It also tells us to have a rapid plan for takedowns, reports, and care, because minutes matter when a clip starts to travel.
What it looks like in real life
A friend records a clumsy moment at a party and posts it for laughs. A private clip from a dating chat leaks into a group thread. A screen recording turns a silly face into a meme used again and again. The target may beg the poster to delete it and get mocked for being sensitive.
They may try to chase every copy while new ones pop up. Their stomach drops each time their phone buzzes. They may avoid class, skip practice, or ask to change schools. The fear of more people seeing the clip can feel endless.
What you can do today
Teach a bright-line rule at home: never share a photo or video of someone else without clear yes from them. If a mistake happens, act fast. Save proof, note URLs, and file reports with the platform using the correct policy category, such as privacy violation or non-consensual image sharing.
Contact the school if classmates are involved so adults can stop spread on campus. Support your child with steady routines, fresh air, and time with people who treat them with care. Remind them that a wave of views often fades faster than it feels.
If the clip is intimate, check if your region has a special reporting path for minors and seek help from a counselor. Debsie teaches kids consent language, privacy tools, and the steps for fast takedowns so they feel less alone in the first stressful hours.
12) About 1 in 5 teens say they have been called hurtful names online many times, not just once.
Why this number matters
Name-calling may look simple, but repeated insults wear down the mind like sandpaper. When a teen is tagged with the same slur or nickname again and again, the brain starts to expect harm. This makes school feel heavier, hobbies feel dull, and friendships feel risky.
Even if the teen acts tough, the body holds the stress. Heart rate rises, sleep gets light, and small bumps feel huge. Knowing that many teens face steady insults tells us to build daily shields, not only crisis plans. It also reminds us that improving one space, like a class group chat, can lift a child’s overall mood.
What it looks like in real life
A student posts a normal photo, and a few users repeat the same mean word under it. The next day, the word shows up in a group chat. Later, someone uses it in a gaming lobby. The teen laughs it off in public and then deletes the app in private.
They start to post less. They duck cameras. They shrink their voice in class. They rehearse comebacks alone but cannot say them when it counts. Over time, they believe the label and let it limit them.
What you can do today
Help your child separate identity from insult. Write the repeated word on paper together, cross it out, and list five true traits that matter more, like kind, focused, brave, curious, and loyal. Teach the short reply that ends the loop, such as do not use that word with me, then mute or block.
Encourage the teen to keep posting real life wins in safe spaces, like a private friends list or a school club page, to rebuild a positive story. Ask one trusted teacher to watch for the same word at school. If the term targets a protected trait, report it as hate speech so platforms act faster.
In Debsie classes, we use role-play to practice firm one-liners and then switch to calm breathing, so kids can close the app and return to tasks that build pride.
13) Around 1 in 4 teens say they have received repeated messages telling them to “hurt yourself” or “you don’t belong.”
Why this number matters
Messages that push self-harm are serious and dangerous. They are not drama. They are a direct attack on a young person’s life. Even if the teen says they ignore it, these words echo. They can trigger fear, anger, or numbness.
They can also make a teen pull away from help. This number calls for clear family rules and fast steps. It also asks schools to treat digital threats with the same weight as in-person threats.
What it looks like in real life
A teen gets DMs late at night that say the world would be better without you. The sender might be a peer, a stranger, or an anonymous account that looks like a peer. The teen may hide the phone, delete messages, or pretend all is fine at breakfast.
They might stop making plans or start giving away items they love. They may talk in a flat tone or joke about death to mask fear. These can be warning signs that deserve gentle, steady attention.
What you can do today
Set a simple rule: if any message suggests harm, we tell an adult right away. No one gets in trouble for asking for help. Save proof with screenshots and timestamps. Report the account on the platform using the self-harm or suicide category so it is flagged fast.
Contact the school if the sender may be a student. Check in with your child with open questions and a soft voice. Ask if they are safe now. Ask if they have had thoughts of hurting themselves. If the answer is yes or maybe, seek professional help today.
Remove access to risky items at home until the storm passes. Keep a calm routine with sleep, meals, light exercise, and time with people who care. Debsie coaches teach kids not to argue with these messages but to cut contact, report, and reach for support, while we guide parents in building a home plan that keeps the child safe and seen.
14) About half of students who are cyberbullied say they also face in-person bullying at school.
Why this number matters
Online and offline harm often walk together. A cruel post on Sunday can lead to whispers on Monday. A shove in the hall can turn into memes by night. Seeing the link helps adults avoid whack-a-mole fixes.
We need one plan that covers both spaces, with shared language, clear roles, and steady follow-through. When schools and families act as one team, patterns break faster and kids feel protected.
What it looks like in real life
A student sits at lunch and hears laughter after checking their phone. A rumor spreads in class and then shows up as a hashtag on a photo. Teachers solve the desk drama, but no one handles the chat where it started.
Or parents help with app settings, but the child still faces side looks and seat changes at school. The gap between settings makes the child feel like there is no safe place to rest.
What you can do today
Ask for a joint plan that covers both worlds. Meet with a counselor or dean and agree on steps for documenting incidents, contacting families, and tracking change over time. Share screenshots and dates so staff can see the pattern.
Request safe seating, buddy walks between classes, and monitored spaces where the student can breathe during the day. At home, keep communication open and focus on restoring energy with healthy habits and joyful activities.
Teach your child to capture proof but not to chase every rumor. At Debsie, we help families build simple school letters, coach students on calm reporting, and rehearse scripts for asking teachers for small supports that make the day feel manageable.
15) Teens who are online 3+ hours a day have about twice the risk of cyberbullying compared with lighter users.
Why this number matters
More time online means more chances to cross paths with harm. It does not mean the internet is bad. It means we should be smart about how and when we use it. Long, unbroken scroll sessions raise emotion and lower judgment.
Late-night use steals sleep, which makes the next day harder and the next argument louder. This number is a nudge to set gentle limits that protect health and attention while keeping room for learning, friends, and fun.
What it looks like in real life
A teen flips between apps for hours after homework. They switch from video clips to chat to games without a break. Emotions get stirred up by sad news, flashy bragging, and peer drama, often in the same hour.
When a mean message arrives, they have little patience left. They fire back, then regret it. Or they freeze and feel stuck. Over weeks, the pattern repeats, and their risk climbs because they are online during the hottest hours with the most heated threads.
What you can do today
Co-create time rules that fit your family. Pick focused hours for homework, a window for social time, and a bedtime for devices. Keep devices out of bedrooms at night so sleep can do its healing work. Use app timers as training wheels, not punishments, and pair them with routines that feel good, like a walk, a shower, or reading.
Encourage making before scrolling by asking, what will you create today, even if small? Celebrate offline wins so the phone is not the only source of reward. In Debsie programs, we teach time-blocking and attention skills, like short focus sprints and five-minute resets, so kids protect their energy and lower their risk without feeling cut off from friends.
16) Night-time phone use (after lights out) is linked to about 1.5× higher reports of cyberbullying.
Why this number matters
Late-night screens invite problems. People are tired, less careful, and more likely to say things they would not say in daylight. Teens who keep the phone by the pillow also see messages first, even the harsh ones.
This drags sleep down and pulls mood down with it. When we move devices out of bedrooms, many issues shrink on their own. This is not a moral rule. It is brain science and basic care.
What it looks like in real life
A teen sets an alarm and then keeps scrolling. They see a heated thread and jump in. Minutes turn to an hour. A cruel comment arrives at 1 a.m. and the heart starts racing. The teen plans a reply and sleeps in bursts.
Morning brings a fog that makes class feel heavy and small problems feel huge. Over time, late-night drama becomes normal, and the child starts to expect pain when the world goes quiet.
What you can do today
Adopt a home rule that phones sleep where people do not. Set a shared charging spot in the kitchen or living room. Use an old-school alarm clock so the phone is not needed as a wake-up tool. Start with a thirty-minute wind-down, then extend to an hour as the habit sticks.
If your child worries about missing important info, set a rule that life-or-death calls can ring through from a short list of contacts. Practice a simple night reset when stress hits: place the phone face down, breathe slowly, stretch the hands and shoulders, and tell yourself, I can handle this in the morning with a clear head.
Debsie’s wellness lessons include sleep science in plain words and teach kids to respect rest as a skill that powers school, sports, and friendships.
17) Only about 1 in 3 teens who are cyberbullied tell a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult.
Why this number matters
Silence keeps harm alive. When only a third of teens speak up, most carry the weight alone. They fear losing their phone, being judged, or making things worse. Some think adults will not understand the slang, the humor, or the speed of online drama.
Others feel shame, even though they did nothing wrong. This number tells us to make help easy, safe, and normal. When reporting feels calm and kind, kids come forward sooner, and small problems stay small.
What it looks like in real life
A teen gets a harsh DM and hides it. They delete the thread and hope it ends. The next day, a new account pops up with the same insults. The teen smiles at dinner and says school is fine.
Inside, their stomach is tight and their mind is busy. They want to tell someone but fear the talk will explode into rules they cannot live with. So they carry on alone, checking the phone too often and sleeping too little.
What you can do today
Tell your child, you will not lose your phone for telling me the truth. Set a quiet, steady reporting path at home. Agree on a simple script, like I need help with a message, and a plan that starts with listening, saving proof, blocking, and reporting. Keep your body language soft and your words short.
Ask what they need now and what would help next time. Share one small win from a past problem you solved together to build trust. In Debsie classes, we teach both kids and parents a shared language for tough moments, so asking for help feels like a strength move, not a risk.
18) Fewer than 1 in 5 teens who are cyberbullied file a formal report to the app or platform.
Why this number matters
Platforms cannot act on what they do not see. When reports are low, harmful accounts keep posting. Many teens think reporting does nothing or takes too long. Some do not know the right category to use, and some fear the bully will find out.
This number tells us to teach the reporting steps like we teach seat belts. Clear steps, done early, prevent bigger crashes later.
What it looks like in real life
A teen blocks an account but does not report it. The bully makes a new profile and starts again. Friends say reporting is useless, so the teen shrugs and accepts the noise as normal. Over time, they lower their bar for what is okay and stop expecting respect online.
This slow slide hurts confidence and convinces them that adults and apps will not help.
What you can do today
Walk through reporting together on the actual app your child uses. Practice choosing the right label, like harassment, hate speech, impersonation, or non-consensual image. Show how to add screenshots and note time and date.
Explain that reports are private and that blocking is separate from reporting. Keep a short template on your phone so you can help quickly when needed. Celebrate each report as a step toward a safer feed. Debsie coaches guide kids through mock reports, so tapping the real button later feels easy and natural.
19) About half of victims say blocking the bully stopped the messages; the rest say it moved to a new account or platform.
Why this number matters
Blocking is powerful, but it is not always the end. Many bullies try again with fresh accounts or switch apps. Knowing this helps us build layered defenses. We should teach kids to expect a second wave and to have a calm plan ready.
When a child sees repeat attacks as a pattern, not a personal failure, they stay steady and take the next step without panic.
What it looks like in real life
A teen blocks a cruel account and breathes out. Two days later, a new profile appears with the same style and insults. The teen feels that sinking feeling and wonders if blocking even mattered. They start to think the bully will always find them.
They may delete their account and lose contact with kind friends, or they may chase the bully from app to app and get exhausted.
What you can do today
Teach a simple chain: block, report, document, adjust settings, and, if it returns, repeat without drama. Show how to tighten privacy so only approved followers can comment or message. Consider switching to a new handle that is shared only with trusted people for a time.
Keep a log of incidents with dates, usernames, and links, so schools or platforms can see the pattern. Remind your child that each block cuts access and reduces the bully’s audience. In Debsie sessions, we coach kids to treat repeat harassment like spam: annoying but manageable with steady steps and strong filters.
20) About 1 in 4 victims say they changed usernames, emails, or phone numbers because of cyberbullying.
Why this number matters
Needing to change contact details shows the depth of distress. It can also cut a child off from friends, clubs, and school updates. While changing handles can help, it should be part of a bigger plan, not the only move. This number tells us to pair identity changes with support, reporting, and stronger controls, so a fresh start stays fresh.
What it looks like in real life
A teen creates a new username and tells a few close friends. For a week, things are quiet. Then the bully shows up again through a mutual contact or a public comment. The teen feels defeated and thinks nothing will work.
They consider changing numbers and leaving all groups, even the ones that bring joy. The cost feels too high, and their world gets smaller.
What you can do today
If you change a handle, first prune the follower list, turn the account private, and review who can tag or message. Share the new details in person or by voice with a short, trusted list. Ask friends not to post the new handle publicly. Update school and activity leaders privately so your child does not miss key notices.
Pair the change with formal reports and, if needed, a school plan that names no-contact rules. Help your child rebuild healthy circles with small, fun posts shared only with safe people at first. Debsie coaches help families plan clean transitions and teach kids how to regrow a kind, resilient online space step by step.
21) Teens who are cyberbullied are about 2–3 times more likely to report symptoms of depression.
Why this number matters
Depression is not just sadness. It can feel like a heavy blanket that will not lift. When a teen is bullied online, their world can shrink. They may stop doing things they love, lose interest in friends, and struggle to get out of bed. School gets harder because the mind is busy with worry and fear.
Seeing a two to three times higher risk tells us this is a health issue, not just a social problem. It needs care, time, and steady support. It also shows why early action matters. When we lower harm, we lower the chance of a deep, long slump.
What it looks like in real life
A child who once loved art or soccer now says everything is boring. Their face looks flat, and their laugh is rare. They avoid photos, skip meetups, and hide in their room. Homework piles up because focus is weak and motivation is low.
You may hear words like what is the point or I do not care. Sleep and appetite change. They may sleep too much or too little, eat much more or not enough. Small tasks feel huge. They may seem angry, but under the anger is pain.
What you can do today
Start with one gentle check-in. Choose a quiet time and a soft tone. Say what you noticed and ask how you can help. Offer to share the load by handling reports, saving proof, and reaching out to school. Create a daily plan with three anchors: movement, fresh air, and one human moment with someone kind.
Short walks, simple meals, and small goals help the brain recover. If low mood lasts two weeks or more, or if your child talks about not wanting to be here, seek a mental health professional. Pair therapy with digital safety steps so the teen has fewer triggers.
In Debsie programs, we teach mood-first study habits, simple mindfulness, and ways to rebuild confidence through small wins in projects and teamwork, so a child remembers their strengths while healing.
22) Teens who are cyberbullied are about 2 times more likely to report strong anxiety and panic feelings.
Why this number matters
Anxiety makes the body feel like danger is near even when the room is safe. Cyberbullying inflames this because the next message can arrive at any time. The brain starts to scan for threats and jumps at every buzz.
Panic can show up as a racing heart, tight chest, and a fear that something bad will happen right now. Knowing the risk doubles helps us build calm plans. We teach kids to control what they can, step away from what they cannot, and reset their nervous system each day.
What it looks like in real life
You might see a teen check their phone over and over. They may avoid notifications or turn the phone off and then turn it on again in a cycle. Before school they may feel sick. They might ask to stay home to dodge stares and whispers.
In class, their mind wanders to what might be posted next. When panic hits, they may cry, shake, or feel trapped. Later, they feel embarrassed about the reaction and try to hide their feelings, which only adds more stress.
What you can do today
Help your child build a short daily calm routine. Teach box breathing with a four-count inhale, four-count hold, and four-count exhale, repeated five times. Encourage a morning check where they scan messages once, act on what matters, and set the phone aside for a planned block of focus.
Use do-not-disturb during school and study hours to reduce jump scares. Create a phrase for surprises, like I can handle this, then decide the next small step. If panic attacks occur, talk to a doctor or counselor and explore tools like grounding exercises and gradual exposure.
Debsie classes fold simple nervous system resets into lessons, so kids pair digital skill with body calm and feel stronger with each practice.
23) Teens who face repeated cyberbullying are about 2 times more likely to have poor sleep or insomnia.
Why this number matters
Sleep is the brain’s repair shop. Without it, memory drops, moods swing, and judgment slips. Cyberbullying steals sleep by keeping kids on alert. Late-night messages and fear of morning posts keep the mind racing.
When sleep breaks down, coping breaks down too, and the cycle worsens. Seeing a doubled risk tells us to protect nights with the same care we give to grades or sports. Rest is not a luxury. It is basic safety.
What it looks like in real life
Bedtime comes, but the phone hums with worry. Your child scrolls to check if a rumor has grown. They plan replies and imagine comebacks. When they try to sleep, the mind plays a highlight reel of worst moments.
If they do drift off, they wake early and reach for the phone, starting the loop again. Mornings are groggy, and the day feels long and gray. Naps may sneak in after school, which makes the next night even harder.
What you can do today
Move devices out of the bedroom and set a wind-down hour with low light and quiet. Offer a simple routine that repeats: warm shower, gentle stretch, short journal line about the day, and a book or calm music.
Remind your child that most online storms fade by morning and will be handled better with a rested brain. If they worry about missing urgent news, allow calls from a tiny list of trusted contacts to bypass do-not-disturb.
Keep caffeine low after lunch and encourage daytime movement. If sleep issues persist, talk to a clinician. Debsie’s wellness modules teach sleep skills and link them to better focus, coding flow, math accuracy, and mood, so kids see the clear return on good rest.
24) About 1 in 10 students say they skipped at least one day of school in the past year because they felt unsafe or stressed by bullying (including online).
Why this number matters
Missed school is not just an absence. It breaks learning chains, hurts grades, and can isolate a child from helpful adults and kind peers. When one in ten skips because of bullying stress, we know fear is blocking education.
Each missed day makes the next day harder, because work piles up and social gaps widen. The goal is to make school feel safe again and to rebuild steady attendance so confidence returns.
What it looks like in real life
A teen wakes with a stomachache on days when a rumor is hot. They say the bus makes them dizzy or the halls feel too loud. They might ask to go in late or leave early. Work stacks up, and they feel behind in multiple classes.
Friends make plans without them because they are not around. This feeds the feeling that they do not belong, which makes staying home seem easier than facing awkward talks or snickers.
What you can do today
Partner with the school to build a re-entry plan. Ask for a quiet check-in spot each morning, like the counselor’s office, before heading to class. Request short-term supports such as extended deadlines, a study hall to catch up, and a buddy for lunch.
Share any proof of online harm so staff can monitor key spaces and enforce no-contact rules. At home, set a morning routine that lowers stress, with breakfast, a brief walk, and a calm drive or bus ride with music. Celebrate each day attended, not just perfect weeks.
If fear stays high, ask for a temporary safety plan with trusted adults visible during the most stressful periods. Debsie helps families script emails to schools, coach teens on asking for help, and rebuild habits that make daily attendance feel doable and safe.
25) Around 1 in 5 victims say their grades went down after the bullying started.
Why this number matters
Schoolwork needs a calm mind to stick. Cyberbullying steals that calm. When a teen’s brain is busy with worry, it is harder to pay attention, remember facts, and finish tasks. Even strong students can slide. A drop in grades is not a sign of laziness.
It is a signal that the brain is fighting a fire. Seeing that one in five report worse grades tells us to protect learning time and rebuild focus right away, not after the storm ends, because waiting lets gaps grow.
What it looks like in real life
A student who once turned in work early starts missing small deadlines. They reread the same page and cannot recall it minutes later. Simple math feels slow. They say the teacher talks too fast, but really their mind is checking for new messages.
They rush through homework to get back to the phone or avoid homework because the phone drained their energy. Tests bring shaky hands and blank moments. Feedback that once felt helpful now feels heavy, so they stop asking for help. Over weeks, one low grade becomes a pattern, and confidence sinks further.
What you can do today
Separate safety work from school work. Set a plan where you handle reports and takedowns while your child studies. Use short, timed focus sprints of fifteen to twenty minutes, followed by a five-minute reset without the phone.
Ask teachers for a two-week catch-up plan with clear, small goals. Move study time to a calm spot with good light and a chair that supports the body. Keep do-not-disturb on and the phone out of reach. When work is done, end with a quick review of what went well to rebuild a sense of skill.
Celebrate progress, not perfection. If you want structure, Debsie classes teach note-making, recall drills, and project steps that help kids rebuild strong study habits while we guide parents on digital safety, so grades recover without extra stress.
26) About 1 in 4 victims say they deleted at least one social app to feel safer.
Why this number matters
Deleting an app can bring fast relief. It can also cut a teen off from friends, clubs, and school updates. For one in four, the cost feels worth it because peace is priceless.
This number tells us to respect the choice while also building a plan that keeps healthy connections alive. Safety should never mean total isolation. A smart, temporary exit can be a reset that helps a child breathe, heal, and return with better tools.
What it looks like in real life
A teen hits delete after a hard week. For a few days, their shoulders drop and sleep improves. Then they worry about missing birthday plans, group projects, or team news. Friends say they did not see messages and think the teen is ignoring them.
The teen wonders if they should reinstall, but they fear the first nasty comment that may appear the moment they do. They feel stuck between quiet and connection, and both choices seem to hurt.
What you can do today
Support the break and build bridges. Tell close friends in person or by voice that your child is off the app for a while and share one clear way to reach them, like text from known numbers or an email. Ask coaches and teachers for backup channels for key updates.
Use the break to fix settings, prune contacts, and plan a lighter posting style for the return. Help your child try new, calmer spaces, such as a private group with real friends or a class community where kindness is the norm.
If they choose to stay off, fill the gap with real meetups and projects that give a sense of belonging. In Debsie programs, we guide families through healthy app breaks and teach kids to re-enter with strong privacy, careful circles, and content that feeds their goals, not their stress.
27) In families with clear screen rules and check-ins, reported cyberbullying rates are lower by roughly one-third.
Why this number matters
Clarity lowers risk. When a family knows when and where devices are used, how to respond to harm, and when to ask for help, stress falls and safety rises. The key is not strict control. The key is shared rules that everyone understands and can follow.
A one-third drop is big. It means routines and check-ins are not nagging. They are protective gear, like helmets and seat belts for the mind.
What it looks like in real life
In a home with clear rules, evenings feel calmer. Devices charge outside bedrooms. Homework blocks are quiet. If a bad message arrives, the teen knows the first move is screenshot, block, and tell. Parents listen first and keep their tone steady.
They help file reports and write short notes to school when needed. Screens are part of life, not the boss of life. Because the plan is consistent, the teen feels safe bringing up small issues before they grow.
What you can do today
Write three simple rules and post them in the kitchen. Decide where devices sleep, when social time happens on school nights, and how reporting works. Add a weekly ten-minute check-in where you ask what went well online, what felt rough, and what needs a tweak.
Keep language short and kind. Model your own habits by parking your phone during dinner and at bedtime. Review app settings together once a month like you would check smoke alarms.
Debsie offers a family digital plan you can customize in minutes, plus practice scripts for tough talks, so the rules feel fair, helpful, and easy to keep.
28) Schools that run yearly digital safety lessons see reported cyberbullying drop by about 10–20% the next year.
Why this number matters
Practice and repetition change behavior. A single assembly fades fast. Yearly lessons keep skills fresh, update knowledge about new apps, and remind students that the school takes safety seriously.
A 10–20% drop shows that steady teaching works. It also creates a common language for students, teachers, and parents. When everyone knows the same steps, reporting is faster and repairs are smoother.
What it looks like in real life
A school with yearly lessons starts the term with simple, clear rules for online talk, sharing, and reporting. Teachers use the same phrases when problems pop up, so students hear consistent messages in math class, art, and PE.
Counselors run small group sessions for grades that need extra support. Parents get short guides at home so they can mirror the steps. Over time, students expect action when harm happens, and many think twice before posting heat because they know the system will respond.
What you can do today
Ask your school how often they teach digital safety and what the lessons include. Offer to help if the program is thin. Suggest short, age-fit sessions each term, not just one talk in the fall. Request that lessons cover consent, reporting, bystander moves, and mental health supports, not only passwords and privacy.
Ask for a simple flowchart that shows who to tell and what happens next. If your school wants a partner, Debsie provides ready-to-teach modules, teacher training, and student workshops with hands-on practice, so skills stick and the culture shifts toward kindness and accountability.
29) Peer-support programs (student ambassadors) can cut reported incidents by about 15–25% in the first year.
Why this number matters
Students listen to students. A trained peer feels close, safe, and easy to reach. When a school builds a small team of student ambassadors who know how to spot harm, support targets, and guide friends to report, problems shrink.
A drop of fifteen to twenty-five percent in one year means fewer cruel posts, fewer scary DMs, and more kids getting help early. It also means a new norm takes root. Kindness is not just a poster on the wall. It is a daily action led by real kids in real halls and chats.
This matters because culture beats rules. When the cool choice is the kind choice, change lasts.
What it looks like in real life
Ambassadors wear a small badge, sticker, or lanyard so classmates know who they are. They check group chats for tone and reach out when they see trouble. They know how to keep notes and pass them to the right adult. They are not hall police.
They are friendly guides. They host quick, fun mini-lessons in homeroom on consent, bystander moves, and reporting steps. They help set up quiet spaces at lunch for anyone who needs a reset.
Over time, students learn that a single message to an ambassador can stop a pile-on or get a harmful clip taken down. Targets feel seen. Bullies see less approval. Drama cools faster.
What you can do today
If your school has no program yet, ask leaders to start small. Recruit a diverse group of students who are calm, kind, and trusted. Train them with clear scripts for checking in, collecting proof, and guiding friends to block, report, and tell an adult.
Give them a simple code of conduct and a staff mentor. Meet every two weeks to review patterns and plan small events that build a positive tone online. At home, encourage your child to join or partner with the team.
If your school wants ready tools, Debsie provides plug-and-play training, student handouts, and short practice scenes so ambassadors learn fast and act with confidence from day one.
30) Country rates vary widely, from about 10% in some places to over 40% in others, depending on access, culture, and reporting habits.
Why this number matters
Cyberbullying is not the same everywhere. In some countries, fewer kids report harm because device use is lower, rules are clear, or trust in adults is strong. In other places, fast growth in apps, lighter rules, or heavy stigma about speaking up push the rates higher.
Reporting habits also shift the numbers. Where families and schools teach clear steps and protect reporters, more kids speak up. Where fear or shame blocks the path, many stay silent. This wide range tells us to build local plans.
What works in one place may not fit another. The core ideas are the same, but the examples, language, and partners should match the community.
What it looks like in real life
A family moving between countries may notice quick changes. In one school, devices are parked at the door and digital lessons run each term. In another school, phones are everywhere and rules are unclear. In one city, parents use the same safety terms and share resources in group chats.
In another, families hesitate to talk about online harm at all. Kids pick up these signals. If the adults seem ready, kids ask for help sooner. If the adults seem afraid or confused, kids hide problems until they explode.
What you can do today
Start where you live. Learn your school’s policy and the platform rules most used by your child’s peers. Build a short list of local contacts, such as a counselor, a dean, and one parent leader who can spread accurate tips.
Use clear, plain language in your home and in your community groups so other families can follow the same steps. Share wins, like a fast takedown or a calm re-entry plan, so people see that action helps. If your region has hot spots, focus teaching there, such as image-sharing consent or gaming voice chat safety.
Debsie works with families across countries, so our lessons adapt to local apps, school systems, and norms while keeping the same heart: protect kids, teach strong skills, and build a culture where every child can learn, play, and grow without fear.
Conclusion
You have seen how common cyberbullying is, where it shows up, and what it does to a child’s mind, sleep, and grades. The numbers are clear, but numbers are not the end of the story. What matters now is the next calm step at home and at school. Small, steady actions work. A kind check-in each night lowers fear. A simple family plan makes reporting easy.
Strong privacy settings and smart posting habits prevent many problems before they start. Rest, food, movement, and focused study blocks rebuild energy so kids can think clearly and act wisely online. When harm does happen, quick reporting, careful documentation, and teamwork with school staff reduce the impact and help a child feel safe again. None of this needs perfect tech skills. It needs patience, warmth, and a clear path that everyone understands.
