Cyberbullying affects approximately 1 in 3 children online. It ranges from hurtful comments to coordinated harassment campaigns, deepfake images, and threats of violence. Knowing how to respond — and when a situation requires escalation — can make the difference between a manageable incident and a crisis.
Understanding the Levels
Level 1: Minor Incidents
A rude comment, a mean meme, or exclusion from a group chat. These are unpleasant but normal parts of growing up online. Most children can handle these with guidance.
- Response: Block the person, report the content to the platform, and move on. Do not engage.
- Teach your child: Responding to bullies gives them what they want — a reaction. Silence and blocking is the most powerful response.
Level 2: Persistent Harassment
Repeated targeting over days or weeks. Creating fake accounts to continue after being blocked. Sharing embarrassing (but not explicit) content. Coordinating others to harass your child.
- Response: Screenshot everything. Report to the platform. If it involves classmates, report to the school. Contact the other parents if possible.
- Escalation: If the school does not act, escalate to the school board. Document every step.
Level 3: Criminal Behaviour
Threats of violence. Sharing intimate or explicit images (including deepfakes). Extortion or blackmail. Stalking. Incitement to self-harm. This is no longer bullying — it is a crime.
- Response: Report to law enforcement immediately. File a police report. Report to Cybertip.ca or NCMEC if sexual exploitation is involved.
- Do not wait — Criminal cyberbullying escalates. The sooner you involve authorities, the sooner it stops.
When to Call 911
If your child receives a credible threat of violence, if someone is extorting them with intimate images, or if your child is in immediate danger — call 911. Do not wait for a school response or platform review.
How to Respond Effectively
Believe Your Child
The first thing your child needs to hear is "I believe you." Dismissing their experience or blaming them for "overreacting" will ensure they never come to you again.
Screenshot Everything
Capture every message, post, comment, and image before it can be deleted. Include timestamps and usernames. This evidence is critical for platform reports and police reports.
Do Not Retaliate
Do not contact the bully. Do not post about it publicly. Do not retaliate. This almost always makes the situation worse and can compromise any legal action.
Report to the Platform
Use the platform's built-in reporting tools. Be specific about which content violates their terms of service. Follow up if the report is not acted on.
The Deepfake Cyberbullying Problem
A growing form of cyberbullying involves AI-generated deepfake images. A classmate uses a free "nudify" app to create fake explicit images of your child and shares them in school group chats. This is not just bullying — it is a crime in most jurisdictions. Report it to law enforcement, the school, and use NCMEC Take It Down to request removal.
Supporting Your Child
- Monitor for mental health impacts — Watch for changes in sleep, appetite, social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities, or expressions of hopelessness
- Consider professional help — A therapist experienced with online bullying can help your child process the experience
- Maintain normalcy — Keep routines as normal as possible. Let your child know that this does not define them
- Follow up — Check in regularly. The emotional impact of cyberbullying can surface weeks after the incident
Coercion Networks Are Not Bullying
If your child is involved with groups that dare them to self-harm, share gore, or perform dangerous acts for "points" — this is not bullying. This is a coercion network (764, "The Com"). These are organised criminal operations. Report to law enforcement immediately. Read our threat guide for more information.