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BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH: Protecting Kids Online
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about bullying and equip families with the tools they need to help keep children safe. Bullying can happen at school or in social settings. However, reports of cyberbullying through social media, gaming platforms, text messages, and apps continue to increase.
Research shows that bullying remains a significant concern for young people. The Cyberbullying Research Center's 2025 study found that approximately 58% of students have experienced cyberbullying at some point in their lives, while 33% reported being cyberbullied within the previous 30 days.
Parents and caregivers can help by watching for warning signs of cyberbullying, such as:
- Noticeable changes in device usage.
- Strong emotional reactions to online activity.
- Hiding screens or devices from others.
- Avoiding social situations they previously enjoyed.
- Becoming withdrawn, depressed, or less interested in favorite activities.
- Shutting down existing social media accounts or creating new ones.
Regular conversations about online safety are also important. Consider asking:
- Do you know how to block, report, or flag someone online?
- Do you have any online friends you don't know in real life?
- Who would you talk to if something online upset or worried you?
Reinforce healthy digital habits by reminding children:
- Don't "like" or share content intended to hurt someone.
- It's okay not to like someone, but it's never okay to bully them.
- If someone cyberbullies you, save the evidence and report it instead of responding.
- Being a good digital citizen means standing up for others and supporting peers who are being targeted.
You can learn more about bullying prevention and cyberbullying by visiting StopBullying.gov.
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