Childhood and Adolescence: A Time of Growth and Risk

Childhood and adolescence can be a time for new experiences, identity-seeking, and lasting friendships. School-aged children go through all types of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. While there are many positive aspects to being young, there are also many risks that can be associated with it, including bullying and cyberbullying.

What is Bullying?

According to the 2019 Indicators of School Crime and Safety, about 20% of students between the ages of 12–18 have experienced bullying nationwide.¹
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The most common types of bullying include verbal intimidation, physical assault, and psychological abuse.
Examples of bullying:

  • Name-calling, teasing, threatening
  • Spreading rumors, public embarrassment
  • Hitting, spitting, pushing
  • Breaking or stealing belongings
  • Rude gestures or purposeful exclusion
    Bullying can occur in person or digitally — the latter is known as cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying: Modern Impact & Social Media

Cyberbullying happens via digital devices and can be more harmful than in-person bullying because it’s persistent and far-reaching.
Examples of cyberbullying:

  • Creating fake profiles to humiliate someone
  • Sending offensive messages or threats
  • Posting private or false content online
  • Harassment through games, forums, or apps

Cyberbullying is commonly seen on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, gaming forums, and chat rooms.
Reasons students engage in cyberbullying:

  • Seeking revenge or anonymity
  • Peer pressure and power assertion
  • Prior experience of being bullied
  • Emotional satisfaction from hidden identities
    These behaviors can escalate psycho-emotional damage and worsen mental health among youth.⁴

The Impact of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can have irreparable damage on victims. Because of its permanence and publicity, the harm is harder to undo.
Effects on victims may include:

  • Depression, anxiety, sadness, loneliness
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Absenteeism from school or other responsibilities
  • PTSD, substance use, or suicidal ideation

Those who bully may:

  • Display aggression or abuse in relationships
  • Abuse substances
  • Engage in violence

StopBullying.gov notes that a small number of children may retaliate with violence — especially if they don’t have adult support.⁵

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Responding to Bullying and Cyberbullying

Act fast. Be consistent. Be calm.
Quick and calm intervention has been shown to reduce bullying over time. Steps include:

  • Separate youth involved
  • Address immediate health needs
  • Model respectful behavior
  • Collect full details from multiple sources without judgment
    Avoid labeling it as "bullying" prematurely — focus on facts first.⁶

Spotting the Signs

Adults may not always know what platforms youth are using. The more apps a child accesses, the greater the exposure to cyberbullying.

Warning signs include:

  • Sudden increase or decrease in device use
  • Emotional reactions during or after screen time
  • Hiding screens, changing accounts
  • Withdrawal, anxiety, or depression

Prevention Tips

Help keep youth safe by:

  • Talking openly about bullying
  • Building safe school environments
  • Creating a community-wide prevention strategy
  • Setting accounts to private
  • Teaching password and identity protection
  • Checking social activity monthly
  • Reporting any bullying or threats

Getting Help

Knowing how to respond can make a big difference. Seek immediate help if a child is:

  • At risk of harm or facing a crime → Call 911
  • Showing signs of distress or withdrawal → Find a mental health professional
  • Being bullied in school → Contact the school or State Department of Education
  • Feeling hopeless or suicidal → Use the support lines below:

24/7 Free and Confidential Support:

Additional Helplines:

  • 2nd Floor Youth Helpline: Call/Text 888-222-2228
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-8255 (TALK)

References

  1. Stopbullying.gov – Facts About Bullying
  2. CDC – StopBullying
  3. Stopbullying.gov – What is Cyberbullying
  4. VeryWellFamily – The Psychology of Cyberbullying
  5. Stopbullying.gov – Effects of Bullying
  6. Stopbullying.gov – Respond to Bullying
  7. Stopbullying.gov – Prevent Cyberbullying
  8. VeryWellFamily – How to Prevent Cyberbullying
  9. Stopbullying.gov – Get Help No
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