The impact of cyberbullying on children's emotional well-being

In a world where children grow up constantly connected to the digital world, online bullying no longer needs the schoolyard to manifest itself. It can sneak into a child's room, their phone, their private space. The data recently presented by the organization Save the Children on the occasion of Internet Safety Day 2025 raise alarm bells about the extent and seriousness of this phenomenon.

Alarming statistics are available here.

In the last 17 years, more than 13,500 requests have been received on the advice line dedicated to children and adolescents affected by problems in the digital environment. Cyberbullying is at the top of the list, with severe emotional effects: anxiety, sleep disturbances, loss of self-confidence and, in some cases, self-destructive thoughts.

• 50 per cent of children say they have been offended or insulted online.
• 45 per cent have had these experiences in the last month.
• About 50 per cent expect bullying to happen again.
• 26 per cent have had difficulty sleeping after an online incident and 6% experience this discomfort frequently.
• 8 out of 10 children feel they are wasting time online at the expense of useful activities, and 3 out of 10 feel this with high frequency.
• 41 per cent have been the target of rumours spread online.
• Almost 10 per cent have been publicly exposed by sharing intimate or private content.

Digital violence with real impact on children’s mental health

Cyberbullying is not a joke or child's play. It is a form of violence, intentional and repetitive, that leaves deep scars. Children bullied online do not only suffer in front of the screen. Studies presented by the organisation Save the Children, show that children bullied online do not only suffer in front of the screen. They have difficulty concentrating, are anxious before going to school, consider avoiding classes, experience feelings of shame, isolation and powerlessness, nightmares and self-destructive thoughts.

Voice of a teenager: between shame and healing

I'm 14 and at first I thought it was funny when someone created a fake account with my name. But then he started posting things I never said, fake pictures and embarrassing messages. Everyone laughed... friends drifted away and I ended up alone, not wanting to go to school. I didn't know who to ask for help, I was ashamed and scared. Testimony of a teenager who called the counselling line available here

His words bring us closer to the harsh reality experienced by thousands of children: the stigma of silence, the fear of asking for help and the pressure of a virtual world without emotional filters.

What can we do? Concrete action urgently needed

Save the Children proposes a concrete intervention model built around education, counselling and active involvement:

• Teachers are invited to organise information sessions in schools, using free materials available on free materials available here.
• Teenagers are encouraged to attend workshops, share their experiences and learn digital protection strategies. More information available here.
• Parents should be supported to become active partners in their children's online lives, not worried bystanders. More information available here.   

An important resource: the risk tracking scheme

This material developed by Save the Children provides a clear and empathetic framework for recognizing and managing dangerous situations online. Key recommendations include:

• Do not give out personal information online.
• Keep evidence (screenshots, messages).
• Block and report the bully.
• Talk to a trusted adult.
• Get professional support if you feel you can't cope alone.

The full document can be downloaded here.

Conclusion: It's time for action, not just a finding

Cyberbullying is not an isolated incident but a systemic problem, affecting the mental health of an entire generation. In this context, children need understanding, emotional support, and a safer, healthier digital environment and early digital education. They also need specialized psychological support to validate their emotions and rebuild their confidence, along with strong and coherent public policies that guarantee their right to safety, in front of the screen, and beyond it.