Back to school, not back to cyberbullying

As students across the world prepare for a new academic year, excitement is often mixed with anxiety. The classroom isn’t the only place where social dynamics shift; the digital world plays an equally powerful role. Unfortunately, just as school hallways can sometimes be hostile environments, online spaces can also amplify negative behavior. A 2023 study by Microsoft, which surveyed parents in 17 countries, found that “cyberbullying, harassment and abuse” was their number one concern, troubling nearly four out of ten parents worldwide.

The dangers of cyberbullying extend well beyond the screen. Left unchecked, online harassment can severely damage a child’s mental health, erode self-confidence, and in extreme cases, lead to tragic consequences. That’s why the return to school should be a moment of growth and learning, not the trigger for another surge of harmful digital interactions.

A recurring concern

Research underscores just how persistent this issue is. The Microsoft study revealed that parents worry more about cyberbullying than about disinformation, sexual exploitation, or even threats of physical violence. Pew Research Center adds weight to these concerns: around half of American teenagers report experiencing some form of online harassment. Older teenage girls are disproportionately affected, often facing name-calling, rumor-spreading, unsolicited explicit images, or even direct threats.

The start of the school year can intensify these challenges. New cliques form, old rivalries reignite, and academic stress rises. In this fragile environment, bullies may use social media, messaging apps, or gaming platforms to exert control and intimidate peers. Meanwhile, parents and teachers are often preoccupied with logistics and curricula, leaving space for harmful behavior to go unnoticed. Recognizing early warning signs is therefore crucial.

Spotting the red flags

Children are not always forthcoming about their online struggles. Fear of embarrassment or of making matters worse can prevent them from opening up. Parents should look out for sudden and unexplained changes in behavior. Mood swings, withdrawal from favorite activities, disrupted sleep patterns, altered eating habits, or defensive reactions when technology use is mentioned can all signal trouble. Declining grades and reluctance to attend school or social gatherings are additional red flags.

Keeping communication open

Perhaps the most effective way to counter cyberbullying is to nurture a safe and open line of communication. Teens often struggle with trust and fear judgment. Creating a space where they feel listened to without interrogation or criticism is essential. Instead of asking direct questions such as “Are you being bullied?”, it may be more effective to use open-ended prompts like “How’s everything going at school?” Timing also matters. Conversations that happen privately, away from the ears of peers or siblings, are more likely to be honest.

Parents should also balance attentiveness with respect for privacy. Over-intrusion can backfire, prompting resistance rather than cooperation. The goal is not to micromanage, but to encourage trust and establish a sense of security.

Proactive steps

Beyond conversations, there are practical strategies to reduce risk. Teaching children about online privacy and digital safety is a vital first step. Parents should familiarize themselves with the apps and platforms their kids use, ensuring that privacy settings are properly configured. Young people must also understand the dangers of unsolicited messages, friend requests from strangers, or manipulative tactics like sextortion and deepfake threats. Helping children cultivate a healthy skepticism of online interactions is key.

For more direct oversight, some parents may choose to adjust smartphone settings to restrict access to certain content or limit screen time. Parental monitoring software is another option, though it works best when children understand why it is being used. Explaining that it is a safety measure, not a punishment, is critical for cooperation.

What to do if it happens

If parents discover their child is the target of online bullying, the first rule is not to panic. Overreaction can make the victim feel even more isolated. Instead, approach the situation calmly, ask questions, and listen carefully. Practical steps include showing the child how to block aggressors, collecting evidence through screenshots, and reporting incidents to the relevant platform. In serious cases, schools should be informed and involved in the resolution process.

A digital reality

Bullying has always been a painful part of adolescence, but mobile devices and constant connectivity have expanded its reach. Today, bullies don’t stop at the school gates; they follow children into their bedrooms, their study spaces, even their moments of downtime. Yet parents also have new tools in their corner: empathy, patience, technological literacy, and the ability to support and guide.

The beginning of a new school year should not mean a return to cycles of online abuse. By staying observant, maintaining trust, and taking proactive steps, families can create a safer digital environment. At its core, the solution lies not just in technology, but in the human connections that make children feel supported and resilient. With vigilance, understanding, and a willingness to act, back-to-school can remain what it ought to be: a time of possibility, growth, and new beginnings.