Cyberbullying can be devastating, with effects sometimes worse than traditional bullying because it follows teens everywhere and can be anonymous. Knowing how to respond supportively is crucial.
What is going on?
Cyberbullying differs from traditional bullying in several important ways. It can happen at any time, reaching your teen at home where they should feel safe. Content can spread rapidly to a wide audience. Bullies may be anonymous, creating fear and paranoia. And digital content can be permanent, replaying trauma again and again. Many teens do not tell parents about cyberbullying because they fear losing their devices or that adults will make things worse. Creating a safe environment for disclosure is essential.
What is normal:
Key takeaways
- Occasional minor conflicts with peers that resolve quickly
- Being able to discuss online interactions openly
- Managing small disagreements without adult intervention
- Understanding that not everyone online will be kind
- Having strategies to handle mean comments
- Knowing when to block or report someone
What is not normal (seek support):
- Repeated targeting by the same person or group
- Threats of violence or harm
- Spreading of rumours or private information
- Creation of fake accounts to harass them
- Exclusion from online groups as bullying tactic
- Significant emotional distress affecting daily life
Your teen’s perspective:
When I told my mum about being cyberbullied, the worst thing she could have done was take my phone away, it would have felt like I was being punished for telling her. What actually helped was when she let me decide how to handle it with her support. She helped me document everything, we reported the accounts together, and she checked in with me without making it a huge drama every day.
How to start the conversation:
- “I am so sorry this is happening to you. This is not your fault.”
- “Thank you for telling me. I know that was hard, and I will not overreact.”
- “Let us figure out together what you want to do about this.”
- “You do not have to handle this alone. I am here to support you.”
- “No one deserves to be treated this way, online or offline.”
Do:
- Listen calmly and thank them for telling you
- Document everything, screenshots, dates, times, content
- Let your teen guide the response where possible
- Report to the platform and school if appropriate
- Consider whether authorities need to be involved for serious threats
- Focus on emotional support first
Avoid:
- Blaming them or asking what they did to cause it
- Taking away their devices as punishment
- Confronting the bully or their parents without thinking through consequences
- Minimising the impact or telling them to ignore it
- Taking over completely without their input
- Promising to keep secrets that should be reported
Watch for:
Watch for changes in mood, sleep, appetite, or reluctance to go online. Some teens try to hide ongoing bullying, so stay attentive even after initial conversations.
When to seek help:
Seek immediate help if there are threats of physical violence, if explicit images are being circulated, if your teen expresses thoughts of self-harm, or if the bullying involves criminal behaviour such as stalking or blackmail. Contact relevant authorities and consider mental health support.
In the app:
Ladybird provides a moderated, safe community space where bullying behaviour is actively prevented. The app offers mood tracking to help identify when teens are struggling and mindful moments to support emotional regulation during difficult times.
Respond with support, not punishment. Document evidence, report appropriately, and let your teen guide the response where possible. Their emotional wellbeing comes first.
Related articles
- are there safe-use rules or “contracts” families can make for device use?
- how can I talk with my teen about social media’s impact on their mental health?
- how can I be emotionally available and supportive without enabling my teen?
Understanding starts here.
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