Cyberbullying in Children and Adolescents

Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Cyprus International University (CIU), Assist. Prof. Dr. Bengü Berkmen, evaluated the prevalence of cyberbullying among children and adolescents, how social media platforms impact these groups, and how families can better support their children in this regard. "Especially during adolescence, the search for identity, combined with online approval mechanisms, increases both the exposure to and the occurrence of cyberbullying," Berkmen stated, adding that research shows cyberbullying is particularly widespread among adolescents, with rates ranging from 15% to 35%. Berkmen emphasized that "open communication between parents and children" is one of the main protective factors, noting that "families must first create a safe communication space where children can share their experiences without fear." She also pointed out that educators should go beyond mere observation and become involved in the process through awareness and empathy-based interventions. "Schools should have psychological counselors, secure reporting mechanisms, and peer support programs. A system must be established in cooperation with the family where the child can share without feeling guilty," Berkmen said, noting that online bullying can poison in-school relationships. "School administrations should adopt an approach based on restorative justice and psychological support, rather than punitive measures. At this point, instead of traditional practices, schools should switch to a system that actively monitors technology and adolescents."

1.    Can you inform us about the prevalence of cyberbullying among children and adolescents? Can we say that social media platforms are the main places where cyberbullying is most frequently experienced among these groups?
The digital ecosystem has turned the "medium for socializing" into online spaces, which has led to the reproduction of bullying in these spaces. Particularly during adolescence, the search for identity, combined with online approval mechanisms, increases both exposure to and the occurrence of cyberbullying. Research shows that cyberbullying is particularly widespread among adolescents, with rates ranging from 15% to 35%. The most common platforms are social media—especially Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat—because these are at the center of adolescent digital socialization.
2.    What are the most common forms of cyberbullying among children and adolescents?
The most common forms include insulting messages, exclusion, sharing humiliating content, spreading rumors, and unauthorized disclosure of personal information. In recent years, manipulated images and "deepfake" content have also been added to these. The impact of artificial intelligence programs in this regard is also quite significant.
3.    What are your thoughts on how families can better support their children regarding cyberbullying? What role do peers and educators play in combating peer bullying?
"Open communication between parents and children" is one of the main protective factors. Psycho-educational interventions, along with parent awareness, show that restorative communication models in peer environments need to be developed. In simpler terms, families must first create a safe communication space where children can share their experiences without fear. Parents should guide rather than controlling. Educators should go beyond being mere observers and engage in the process through awareness and empathy-based interventions.
4.    What role does education and awareness play in combating cyberbullying?
It certainly plays a fundamental role. Existing in the digital world now serves as a platform where individuals showcase who they are. Just like how our actions in the real world define who we are, what we do on digital platforms also sends messages about our identity. In this regard, teaching digital citizenship, empathy, privacy awareness, and online ethics from an early age helps create a protective foundation.
5.    What measures can be taken to prevent adolescents from experiencing bullying in social media and the online world?
Teaching privacy settings, raising awareness about digital footprints, and encouraging active use of reporting and blocking tools on platforms are crucial. Additionally, teaching adolescents self-respect and boundary-setting skills also has a protective effect.

6.    What kind of support mechanism should be established in schools for children who are victims of cyberbullying? How should the approach between family and school be?
Schools should have psychological counselors, secure reporting mechanisms, and peer support programs. In collaboration with the family, a system should be created where the child can share their experiences without feeling guilty.
7.    How is digital identity formation among children and adolescents related to cyberbullying?
Digital identity is about how we present ourselves. Adolescents, while constructing this identity, often seek approval and visibility; this makes them both more vulnerable to bullying and, at times, more prone to engaging in bullying behaviors. Digital self-presentations can trigger narcissistic tendencies, increasing competitive and judgmental interactions.
8.    What long-term effects can cyberbullying have on the self-perception and self-esteem of children and adolescents?
In the long run, cyberbullying can lead to low self-esteem, social anxiety, depression, and feelings of insecurity. In some cases, these effects may carry over into adulthood, resulting in functional impairments in the adolescent's social, academic, and personal life.
9.    How does the rise of online peer bullying affect bullying within the school environment? How should school administrations respond from a psychological perspective to children and adolescents who are at risk of skipping school due to cyberbullying?
Online bullying can also poison in-school relationships because social spaces are now interconnected. In a sense, bullying that was once confined to school is now affecting the adolescent's entire life, as it extends beyond school boundaries to digital platforms, impacting them throughout the day. School administrations should adopt an approach based on restorative justice and psychological support, rather than punitive measures. At this point, schools should switch to a system that actively monitors technology and adolescents instead of traditional practices.
10.    What strategy should policymakers, schools, and technology companies develop together to prevent cyberbullying? How can psychology contribute to these strategies?
This issue can only be solved with a multi-stakeholder approach. Technology companies should limit risky content with more effective algorithms, schools should strengthen educational foundations, and policymakers should update the legal framework. Psychology can contribute by understanding empathy, identity development, and social interaction dynamics, ensuring that the human aspect of these strategies is built on solid foundations.