World Mental Health Day: How cyberbullying can affect a child’s mind

Bullying has long been a concern in schools, but the rise of digital communication has made it harder for children to escape. Earlier, a child might have found relief once the school bell rang and they returned home. Today, bullying can follow them through their phones, entering spaces that should offer comfort, privacy and security.

Cyberbullying can take many forms. A child may be deliberately excluded from a group chat, mocked through comments on social media or targeted with unflattering photographs shared among classmates. In some cases, private messages are circulated without consent, fake profiles are created to humiliate someone, or hurtful texts continue late into the night. Unlike face-to-face bullying, online harassment can reach a large audience, spread rapidly and remain accessible long after the original incident. For a child, the feeling of being watched, judged or ridiculed can become difficult to escape.

The scale of the problem deserves greater attention. A 2025 analysis of Indian studies estimated that nearly one in five adolescents had experienced cyberbullying. Yet many children hesitate to speak about what they are going through. Some fear that their parents will take away their phones, while others feel embarrassed, ashamed or worried that adults will not understand. When this silence continues, the emotional burden can grow, affecting how children see themselves and relate to others.

The consequences can extend well beyond temporary distress. Repeated online humiliation may contribute to anxiety, low self-esteem, sadness and social withdrawal. Children may struggle to concentrate in class, experience disturbed sleep or become unusually irritable. Some may develop physical complaints, such as headaches or stomach aches, particularly when they feel anxious about returning to school or checking their messages. Research from India has also linked cyberbullying victimisation with a higher likelihood of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts among adolescents and young adults.

Parents may not always hear their child describe what is happening, but changes in behaviour can offer important clues. A child who becomes anxious after using a phone, suddenly withdraws from friends, avoids school or becomes increasingly critical of themselves may be struggling. These signs do not necessarily indicate cyberbullying, but they deserve a calm and thoughtful conversation rather than immediate judgement.

When a child opens up about being bullied online, the adult’s response matters. Reacting with anger or immediately confiscating their device may discourage them from sharing further. Instead, parents should listen patiently, acknowledge the child’s feelings and reassure them that the incident is not their fault. Understanding what happened and what support the child needs should come before deciding on the next steps.

Practical action is equally important. Hurtful accounts and messages can be documented, reported and blocked, while parents can work with the school if classmates are involved. If emotional distress persists, interferes with daily life or begins to affect a child’s relationships and studies, professional support may be necessary. Any mention of self-harm or suicide should be taken seriously and requires immediate help from a qualified mental health professional.

Prevention, however, begins long before a problem arises. Age-appropriate conversations about online privacy, responsible digital behaviour and empathy can help children navigate the internet more safely. Schools must also maintain clear anti-bullying policies and provide children with a safe way to report incidents. Most importantly, children need to know that they can discuss uncomfortable experiences at home without fear of punishment or dismissal.

A strong, trusting relationship with parents can help children develop a more secure sense of self-worth, making it easier to seek support when they are hurt. Monitoring online activity has its place, but it cannot replace meaningful communication and emotional connection.

Every child deserves to feel safe, both inside and outside the classroom. When bullying follows a child home through a screen, a supportive adult can make the difference between suffering in silence and finding a way forward. The message must remain clear: a child who is being bullied is not to blame, does not have to face it alone and deserves to be heard.

The author is a consultant in Pediatric Psychology at Madhukar Rainbow Children's Hospital, Delhi. 

 

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.