Cyberbullying and teen mental health (Research Spotlight)

If you’ve spent some time on social media lately, you’ve likely seen at least one mocking post or hurtful comment about somebody.

It’s become so easy to shame and harass someone through public posts, group chats, and even direct messaging. But healing from being cyberbullied? It doesn’t come easy, especially for teens who are still developing their self-worth and may not know how to protect themselves and seek help.

A National Youth Mental Health Survey found that one in two young Australians has experienced some kind of cyberbullying. This finding is concerning enough for cyberbullying to be a public health concern, even more so when we factor in the fact that most teens suffer in silence and never report bullying incidents.

Torrens University Australia Master of Public Health alumni Chenai Dunduru and Associate Professor Dr. Fahad Hanna recently published a study on cyberbullying and teenagers. This study involved reviewing relevant research from different countries – an approach that brings insights into the Australian context, given its multicultural population. 

Below are some of Chenai and Dr. Fahad’s key findings.

Key findings

• Being cyberbullied has a strong association with depression and suicide.

• Cyberbullying may have short-term effects like mood swings and eating disorders, and long-term effects like anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even turning the victim into an adult bully later in their life.

• Evidence-based, gender-specific, and culturally sensitive interventions are crucial to preventing and dealing with cyberbullying incidents.

• Further research is required to continue to understand teens’ experiences, especially in the context of their culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

• Even with laws that help address cyberbullying, some online bullies remain difficult to track and prosecute. (This must be considered at the policy level and in understanding victims’ hesitation to report their experience.)

• Read this post on Torrens University’s website for more information.

We sat with both Chenai Dunduru and Dr. Fahad to get more insights for the Talked community. If you’re a concerned parent, guardian, or teacher, or if you’ve been cyberbullied and are unsure what to do, we hope the answers below will support you.

What are the common warning signs that a teen is being cyberbullied?

Cyberbullying can lead to stress and anxiety, making it difficult for victims to focus on their studies, which may result in declining academic performance. It can also disrupt their sleep due to heightened anxiety or depression, causing exhaustion, irregular eating habits, and even physical health issues.

If a previously active teen suddenly stops using their phone or social media, it could indicate they are trying to avoid online harassment. Additionally, if a teen appears upset, anxious, or frustrated after checking their phone, it may be a sign of emotional distress.

Why do some teens bully others online? What motivates their behaviour?

The primary reason cyberbullying persists is because it is online; people engaging in bullying can remain anonymous and detached from real-world consequences. Some individuals engage in cyberbullying due to peer pressure, a desire for social acceptance, or the need to assert dominance, particularly if they feel powerless in other areas of their lives.

Additionally, victims of bullying may retaliate by targeting others as a way to regain confidence or seek revenge. The anonymity of the Internet can make some teens feel disconnected from the impact of their actions, further encouraging harmful behaviour. In some cases, boredom or a need for attention may also drive individuals to engage in cyberbullying.

How can parents actively help prevent cyberbullying?

One effective approach is addressing why teens often hesitate to share negative online experiences. Parents and guardians should foster open communication by encouraging teens to talk about their online interactions without fear of punishment. Reassuring them that honesty won’t lead to trouble helps build trust.

Using parental control tools like Google Family Link or Apple Screen Time can help monitor screen time and app usage, ensuring a balanced digital experience.

Additionally, teaching digital literacy is crucial—emphasising the importance of privacy settings, avoiding oversharing, and recognising online risks. Parents should also promote empathy and kindness by encouraging teens to think before they post and treat others online as they would in person.

What should a parent do if their teen confides about them being cyberbullied?

Parents should reassure their child, stay calm, and actively listen, as overreacting may discourage them from sharing future concerns.

It’s important to document evidence by taking screenshots of messages, posts, or emails and reporting the incident to the platform where it occurred. Parents can also teach their teens how to block and report abusive users. If the bullying includes threatening or harmful content, it can be reported to the Australian eSafety Commissioner, who has the authority to have the content removed within 24 hours.

If cyberbullying is impacting a teen’s mental health, seeking professional support may be necessary to ensure their well-being.

When should parents escalate a cyberbullying situation to the school or authorities?

Parents should involve the school if cyberbullying:

• Negatively impacts their teen’s emotional wellbeing or academic performance

• Involves classmates or schoolmates

• Includes threats of physical harm, extortion, or criminal behavior—these cases should be reported to the local police or the eSafety Commissioner as appropriate

• Persists despite blocking and reporting—legal action may be required

How can schools protect their students online?

Schools should establish clear policies and procedures for addressing cyberbullying, detailing how students, parents, and staff can report incidents and the actions that will be taken in response.

Educating students on safe online behaviour, digital citizenship, and the consequences of cyberbullying is essential. Schools should also offer support services, including counselling, peer support groups, and intervention teams, to assist those affected.

Collaboration with parents and students can help encourage the use of monitoring tools while fostering a culture of empathy, kindness, respect, and mental health awareness within the school community.

Is cyberbullying worse than traditional or in-person bullying?

Yes, in some ways:

• The anonymity of the Internet allows bullies to hide behind a screen, often making them more aggressive.

• Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can occur 24/7, even within the safety of one’s home, as it is not confined to a specific physical location.

• The reach of cyberbullying is much broader—depending on the platform used, harmful content can spread to an entire online community within seconds.

• Its effects can be long-lasting since online content, including rumors or hurtful images, may remain accessible indefinitely, especially if others take screenshots.

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Bullying is always unpleasant and upsetting regardless of how it is done.

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What differentiates victims who recover from those who later engage in bullying behaviours?

Victims with strong emotional support and higher self-esteem are more likely to recover and heal from their experiences.

However, some may internalise their pain and, in response, become bullies themselves. This behaviour can stem from a desire to regain control or cope with trauma. A lack of healthy coping strategies may contribute to this cycle, as some victims believe that bullying others will protect them from future targeting.

How prevalent is cyberbullying among pre-teens, and how does it differ from teenage cyberbullying?

While both age groups experience cyberbullying, research indicates that teenagers are more frequently affected. As children grow older and engage in more online interactions, their exposure to cyberbullying increases.

Pre-teens are more likely to engage in unintentional mild harm, such as name-calling or sharing embarrassing photos or videos. They often do not fully grasp the long-term impact of their online actions and typically use platforms like Roblox, YouTube, or TikTok.

Teenagers, on the other hand, are more likely to engage in intentional harm, which can have severe and lasting effects. They are also more likely to experience cyberbullying related to sensitive topics such as physical appearance, relationships, and explicit content. Additionally, they frequently use platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and email, where harmful interactions can escalate more quickly.

How to know more information about this research?

If you want to dig deeper, you may reach out to Torrens University or connect with Dr. Fahad Hanna.

If your child needs urgent support, you can find therapists who specialise in supporting teens here on Talked.