9 Facts About Cyberbullying Every Parent Should Know

Cyberbullying is harassment that occurs through digital devices, including texts, emails, social media, forums, and gaming platforms. The problem has been on the rise over the past decade and can have a profoundly negative impact on kids’ mental health. 

One of the best things parents can do to protect their children is to educate themselves on the risks of cyberbullying. Here are nine facts about cyberbullying in 2025 that every parent should know, plus what you can do to protect your child. 

1. Nearly half of teens experience cyberbullying

Among U.S teens ages 13–17, 46% report experiencing at least one instance of cyberbullying. If you take into consideration the fact that the majority of teens who experience cyberbullying don't report it, that number is likely to be even higher. 

2. Girls and LGBTQ+ youth face higher risks 

Girls, specifically older teen girls, are more likely to be the victims of cyberbullying, along with LGBTQIA+ students. 

While these demographics experience online abuse at a higher rate overall, older teen girls are also more likely to report being targeted because of their appearance. 

Regardless of gender, the risk of cyberbullying increases as kids get older. After the age of 10, the likelihood that a child will be cyberbullied increases by 2% every two years. 

Has your child been the target of a cyberbully? Here are some tips for supporting them. 

3. Many cyberbullies were victims themselves

Research suggests that victims of cyberbullying are more likely to go on to victimize others. 

The gender data on this question is mixed, with some studies suggesting that boys are more likely to cyberbully, and others finding that girls are more often both victims and perpetrators. 

4. Cyberbullying starts younger than most parents think

While cyberbullying ramps up in the teen years, indicators may be present much earlier. Signs of cyberbullying can appear as early as elementary school. 

Children who are victims of traditional bullying are more likely to be victims of cyberbullying.

Here are some tips on what to do if you discover your child has been cyberbullying others. 

5. Cyberbullying has surged over the last decade

Given the marked increase in how much time teens spend online, it should come as no surprise that cyberbullying has seen a dramatic uptick as well. 

Over the past decade in the U.S., the lifetime rate of cyberbullying has steadily increased, from 33.6% in 2016 to a whopping 58.2% in 2025. 

6. Social media is the most common place cyberbullying happens 

Cyberbullying can happen on any digital platform, including text messages and gaming sites, but it’s most likely to occur on social media.

The always-on nature of apps like Instagram and Snapchat, plus the ease with which bullies can create anonymous accounts to harass others, lends itself to cyberbullying, even when a child is home.

7. Most kids never report cyberbullying

Only 8.9% of cyberbullying victims report it to a parent or guardian. Students are less likely to seek help for cyberbullying than they are if they’re victimized offline, potentially because they worry about social repercussions or losing access to their devices.

8. Cyberbullying is linked to mental health risks

Perhaps the most sobering statistics come when we look at how cyberbullying impacts mental health. Cyberbullying has a profound negative effect on not just the mental health of victims, but also on perpetrators. 

• Victims of cyberbullying are more than twice as likely to engage in self-harm behavior. 
• Victims of cyberbullying are more than two times as likely to exhibit suicidal behaviors, attempt suicide, or have suicidal thoughts. 
• Young people who cyberbully others are nearly 1.5 times as likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors when compared to their non-perpetrator peers.

9. Parents play a critical role in prevention

Communication and monitoring go hand-in-hand when it comes to keeping kids safe online. 

Some steps parents can take today: 

• Talk openly about what cyberbullying looks like.
• Model positive online behavior.
• Encourage kids to tell you when something feels off.
• Use parental monitoring tools to detect problems early.

The bottom line

The prevalence of cyberbullying has increased by more than 20% in the past decade, although that number is likely underreported. Parents should be aware that cyberbullying can increase their child’s risk for mental health issues, including self-harm and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 

In addition to arming themselves with the facts, one of the best things parents can do to protect their child against the harms of cyberbullying is to monitor their online activity so they can step in at the first signs of trouble. 

BrightCanary uses advanced technology to monitor everything your child types online and alerts you when there’s a problem, including if they’re experiencing cyberbullying. Download the app and get started today. 

FAQ: Facts about cyberbullying

What percentage of teens experience cyberbullying in 2025?

46% of U.S. teens have experienced cyberbullying — and experts say the real number may be higher because most cases go unreported.

Which group is most affected by cyberbullying?

Girls (especially older teens) and LGBTQ+ youth experience cyberbullying at the highest rates.

Where does cyberbullying happen the most?

Social media is the most common platform, followed by texting and online gaming.

Why don’t teens report cyberbullying? 

Most victims don’t report it because they fear social consequences, losing device privileges, or worsening the situation.

What can parents do to prevent cyberbullying?

Parents can talk openly about online behavior, set boundaries, and use monitoring apps like BrightCanary to detect signs of bullying early.