Of the 8 billion people who live on this planet, over 5 billion are now on social media. That means more than 63% of the world’s population is spending part of their day behind a screen—scrolling, commenting, sharing, and watching others’ lives unfold online. For many, social media is a powerful tool to connect with people across the globe, exchange ideas, and build communities. But for young people especially, this online world can also open the door to something far darker: cyberbullying.
Traditionally, when people hear the word “bullying,” they imagine face-to-face confrontations: teasing in the schoolyard, name-calling in the hallway, or physical intimidation on the playground. But today, bullying isn’t confined to the school gates. It travels home with children. It follows them into their bedrooms, sneaking into their safe spaces through their phones, computers, and tablets.
“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. “Whatever the reason, cyberbullying is just as harmful as in-person bullying, it’s equally as damaging.”
And she’s right. The emotional scars left by cyberbullying can be just as deep—sometimes even deeper—than those inflicted by face-to-face cruelty. The digital world gives bullies a dangerous power: the ability to hurt others without having to face the consequences immediately, or even at all. A nasty comment, a humiliating post, a cruel rumor—these things don’t disappear when a young person closes their app. They linger, living permanently online and playing on repeat in the mind of the person targeted.
“Bullying stems from cowardice and it is so much easier to be cruel when you don’t see the pain you cause,” Lunny continues. “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.”
In-person bullying allows for at least a glimpse of the consequences: the flinch, the tear-filled eyes, the retreat. Online bullying erases that human connection, allowing cruelty to escalate without any immediate feedback. Worse yet, because the internet never sleeps, a young person can be exposed to torment at any hour of the day or night, feeling trapped and powerless in their own homes.
Cyberbullying isn’t something that simply fades when the bully moves on or logs off. Its effects can shape a young person’s sense of self, their ability to trust others, and their overall mental health for years to come. It fosters feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. It can disrupt school performance, shatter friendships, and even lead to self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
“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 explains. “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.”
Creating safer digital spaces means more than just monitoring or punishing bad behavior. It requires a shift in culture: teaching young people to lead with empathy online, encouraging open conversations about what they experience, and empowering them to seek help without shame or fear. Adults—parents, teachers, coaches, and community leaders—must recognize that the internet isn’t just “virtual reality” for kids. It is their reality.
Protecting young people in today’s world means understanding that cyberbullying is every bit as serious, every bit as real, as what happens in the hallways or on the playground. Behind every screen is a human being with feelings, dreams, fears, and a deep need for acceptance.
The task at hand isn’t simply about putting an end to cruelty. It’s about building a world—both online and off—where kindness is the expectation, not the exception. Where every child knows they are seen, heard, and protected. Where the internet becomes a tool for connection, not a weapon for harm.
