💬 Back-to-School and Back Online: A Cyberbullying Wake-Up Call

Back-to-School and Back Online A Cyberbullying Wake-Up Call blog image
As students log in for the new school year, many face more than just academic challenges — they’re also navigating the emotional battlefield of online interactions. From group chats to gaming platforms, cyberbullying has become a silent pandemic among students.

👩‍🏫 What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is any intentional act of harassment, humiliation, or intimidation conducted through digital channels like social media, messaging apps, and gaming platforms.

  • Spreading rumors or gossip
  • Public shaming and exclusion
  • Impersonation or identity theft
  • Sharing private messages or photos without consent

📊 Why It Peaks During Back-to-School

  • New peer dynamics and classroom changes
  • More time spent online and on devices
  • Social pressure and fear of missing out

🚨 Signs of Cyberbullying

  • Withdrawal from devices or platforms
  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • Drop in grades or school engagement
  • Secrecy about online activity

🛡️ How Adults Can Help

  • Start regular, open conversations about digital behavior
  • Set family rules for respectful online communication
  • Encourage screenshotting and reporting abusive content
  • Partner with schools for digital safety programs

💡 Recommended Tools

  • Bark, Qustodio, or Net Nanny for monitoring
  • Google Family Link or Apple Screen Time for limits
  • StopBullying.gov for resources

🧠 Cyberbullying doesn’t always leave physical bruises — but the emotional scars can last a lifetime. Let’s protect our kids online, just as we do in real life.

It can also be beneficial to check out this ebook by UNICEF about cyberbullying here.

✋ Speak up. Reach out. Don’t scroll past.

Partners