63.9% of the world’s population is active on social media—totaling over 5 billion individuals—in today’s world digital interactions have become an integral part of life. Social media connects people across the globe, fosters new communities, and offers a platform for self-expression. However, for many young people, it also opens the door to a more insidious issue: cyberbullying.
Traditional bullying often evokes images of face-to-face encounters—taunts in a school hallway, whispers behind backs, or physical intimidation. But bullying has evolved, now manifesting behind screens in a digital space where the consequences may feel less immediate but are no less devastating.
“I’ve often wondered why we tend to overlook the deep-rooted effects of cyberbullying on young people. Is it because it happens behind a screen, making it feel less real, less immediate?” asks Linsey Lunny, CEO of Hidden Strength, a platform dedicated to supporting youth mental health. “Whatever the reason, cyberbullying is just as harmful as in-person bullying—it’s equally as damaging.”
The Anonymity of Online Harassment
Unlike traditional bullying, which is often limited to school or social settings, cyberbullying follows young people home, persisting through their phones, computers, and social media feeds. The ability to remain anonymous or distanced from direct confrontation makes online cruelty alarmingly easy.
“Bullying stems from cowardice, and it is so much easier to be cruel when you don’t see the pain you cause,” Lunny explains. “The digital world creates a barrier between people, almost encouraging us to forget there’s a real person on the other side, feeling every sting.”
Social media amplifies this issue, allowing harmful messages, public shaming, or exclusion to reach a larger audience in an instant. Victims may find themselves reliving the harassment repeatedly as negative comments, memes, or altered images remain online indefinitely.
The Lingering Effects on Mental Health
Cyberbullying may not involve physical violence, but its emotional toll is just as severe. Studies have shown that young people who experience cyberbullying are more likely to struggle with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The pressure to maintain a certain online image, combined with the fear of public humiliation, can make even everyday interactions a source of stress.
“Cyberbullying doesn’t end when the bully logs off—it lingers, shaping a young person’s self-worth, mental health, and sense of safety,” Lunny emphasizes. “We must start treating cyberbullying with the seriousness it deserves and create spaces where kindness and empathy aren’t just encouraged, but expected. Young people are worthy of knowing they’re not alone.”
For some, the psychological effects of cyberbullying extend far beyond adolescence. The scars left by online harassment can lead to long-term issues, including social withdrawal, academic struggles, and in extreme cases, self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
A Call to Action
As digital platforms continue to grow, so does the need for increased awareness and action against cyberbullying. While many social media companies have implemented reporting systems and AI-driven moderation to combat harmful content, these measures often fall short. The responsibility extends beyond tech companies—it must also be addressed by educators, parents, and young people themselves.
Teaching digital empathy, fostering open conversations about online experiences, and emphasizing the real-world impact of cyberbullying can help shift the online culture. Schools and organizations must also take a more proactive approach, ensuring that anti-cyberbullying policies are enforced and that students have access to mental health resources.
Moreover, young people need to feel empowered to speak up, whether they are victims or bystanders. Creating supportive environments where they feel safe discussing their experiences without fear of judgment or retaliation is crucial in combating this growing issue.
Building a Kinder Digital Future
The internet has the power to be a positive force in the lives of young people, but only if online spaces are built with safety and respect in mind. Kindness, compassion, and accountability should be the norm, not the exception.
“Every young person deserves to feel safe in the digital world, just as they do in the physical one,” Lunny says. “We all have a role to play in making that happen.”
As society becomes increasingly reliant on digital interactions, addressing cyberbullying must remain a priority. The online world should be a place for connection, creativity, and growth—not a space where cruelty thrives unchecked. Through education, policy change, and cultural shifts, the goal is clear: to ensure that no young person feels alone in their battle against cyberbullying.
