Social media bullying, also known as cyberbullying, occurs when individuals use online platforms to intimidate, harass, or harm others. These actions can take many forms, including mean-spirited comments, spreading rumors, posting hurtful images or videos, and impersonation.
Social media bullying can occur on various online platforms, including but not limited to:
Students and parents should be aware that bullying can happen in both public and private online spaces, making it crucial to monitor digital interactions.
Preventing and addressing social media bullying requires awareness, open communication, and action. Here’s what students and families can do:
For additional guidance and support, students and families can access statewide resources, including community-based organizations dedicated to bullying prevention:
If a student is experiencing social media bullying, they are encouraged to speak with an administrator or ask their teacher for help.
Families should be aware of warning signs that a child may be experiencing social media bullying, including:
Encourage students to talk about their online experiences and report any concerns to a trusted adult.
If a child is being bullied online, parents can:
✔ Stay calm and listen – Encourage open conversations without judgment.
✔ Document the behavior – Take screenshots of harmful messages, posts, or images.
✔ Report and block the user – Use in-app reporting features to report bullying behavior.
✔ Seek school or legal support – Schools can provide intervention, and law enforcement can help in serious cases.
✔ Encourage positive online behavior – Promote kindness and healthy interactions.
Help students protect themselves online by following these guidelines:
🔒 Use Strong Passwords – Create unique, hard-to-guess passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
👀 Manage Privacy Settings – Adjust social media settings to limit who can view and comment on posts.
🚫 Be Cautious with Friend Requests – Only connect with people you know in real life.
📢 Think Before You Post – Remind students that online content can be permanent and widely shared.
🚨 Recognize Scams & Predators – Be wary of messages from strangers, phishing attempts, or suspicious links.
Excessive social media use can impact students’ mental health. Families can support a healthy balance by:
Teaching critical thinking about misinformation and unrealistic portrayals online.
Families can access support services and report cyberbullying through:
📌 School Counselors & Administration – Providing guidance, mediation, and intervention.
📌 Local Law Enforcement – For severe cases involving threats or harassment.
📌 Mental Health Resources – Connecting students with professionals for emotional support.
For parents looking to monitor and guide their child’s online activity, here are some helpful tools:
The minimum age requirement for major social media platforms is typically 13 years old, following the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). However, some platforms have higher age requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the minimum ages for popular social media platforms:
13 years old
Parental consent required for Messenger Kids (under 13)
13 years old
Accounts for users under 16 default to private
13 years old
Restricted experience for users under 13; parental controls available
13 years old
Features like Snap Map may require parental awareness
13 years old (with restrictions), 18 years old (full access)
YouTube Kids available for younger users
16 years old
Varies by country; end-to-end encryption used
13 years old
Sensitive content filters in place
13 years old
Some subreddits have additional age restriction
13 years old (most cases), 17 years old (for NSFW servers)
Servers may have different rules
13 years old
Parental controls available