Cyberbullying: What Parents Should Know

Birmingham, Ala. (Jan. 16, 2026) — As technology continues to evolve, concern about cyberbullying grows.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 19% of children aged 12 to 18 say peers have targeted them, and many cases happened online.

“There are some really good studies that indicate that only one in 10 children actually report to their parents or caregivers that they are being cyberbullied,” said Dan Marullo, a pediatric psychologist at Children’s of Alabama.

Marullo says cyberbullying is any bullying that occurs on an electronic platform, such as social media or a gaming system. Cyberbullies often start rumors or pass them along, reveal a child’s private information, post embarrassing pictures or videos, steal passwords, lock children out of their own accounts, or use artificial intelligence to make and share humiliating images or memes.

Marullo says there are signs parents can watch for, including:

• Being emotionally upset during or after using the internet or phone
• Being secretive or protective of one’s digital life
• Children spend more time than usual in their room
• Withdrawal from or lack of interest in family members, friends, and activities
• Avoiding school or group gatherings
• Slipping grades or “acting out” in anger at home
• Changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or appetite
• Being nervous or jumpy when getting a message, text, or email
• Avoiding discussions about computer or phone activities

“Cyberbullying can certainly affect a child’s mental health and how they are doing,” said Marullo. “Anyone who is bullied can experience distress. Those who are experiencing cyberbullying are at high risk for depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress syndrome.”

If a parent is concerned that their child is being cyberbullied, they should talk to their child and see how they are doing from an emotional standpoint. Parents can talk about any bullying experiences that they had when they were younger. This could help a child feel less alone.  Also, let your child know that it is not their fault. Praise them for speaking up and telling someone about it. He also recommends parents teach their children to be good consumers of social media and talk to them about how to act appropriately online. Encourage them not to respond to cyberbullying.  Other recommendations include blocking the bully or reporting it to the social media platform or authorities. Also, keep screenshots of the threatening messages, pictures, or texts.

Parents should also notify the school if their child is of school age and the cyberbullying includes another student. Tell the principal, school nurse, counselor, or teacher about the situation. Schools in Alabama are required by law to have policies addressing bullying, including cyberbullying that occurs outside the school. Before reporting the problem, parents should let their child know that they plan to do so, so that they can work out a plan that makes both the parent and the child feel better.

If your child agrees, meeting with a therapist may help them work through their feelings.  A counselor or mediator at school may work with the child alone or together with the bully.

“Children’s of Alabama has some really excellent resources that children can check out, such as the Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC),” said Marullo. “A parent who has any concerns and is not sure what to do can call the PIRC and talk to a licensed professional for some guidance.”

The number to call the PIRC is 205-638-PIRC (7472). The PIRC is open seven days a week, year-round, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Marullo says the conversation about cyberbullying can be difficult for both the child and the parents.

“You know, once something is posted, it is literally there forever, and anybody can see it,” said Marullo. “So, parents have to be aware of what their children are engaged in and what they are being exposed to, and ask those questions even if it is difficult. It actually opens up a conversation and, in most cases, it makes it possible for children to talk about those experiences.”

Previous Stories:

School Study Guide: Managing Holiday Sensory Overload | Children's of Alabama

School Study Guide: Teaching children how to build healthy friendships | Children's of Alabama

School Study Guide: Recognizing the Signs of Separation Anxiety | Children's of Alabama

School Study Guide: Managing Back-to-School Stress | Children's of Alabama