Because cyberbullying happens on a screen, it can be invisible to parents, teachers, and even close friends unless you know what to look for. Someone experiencing it may suddenly become anxious or upset after using their phone, but reluctant to explain why.
Other signs include withdrawing from friends or activities they used to enjoy, avoiding school or work without a clear reason, a sudden drop in grades or focus, being secretive about online activity or quickly closing an app or switching screens when someone approaches, and changes in sleep or appetite.
You might also notice someone deleting their social media accounts abruptly, refusing to go into certain group chats, or becoming visibly distressed by a notification sound. In some cases, there are more direct signs — screenshots of hurtful messages, or comments left by the same accounts repeatedly.
If you notice these signs in yourself, it's worth naming it rather than pushing it aside: 'I think what's happening to me online is cyberbullying, and it's affecting how I feel.' If you notice them in someone else, a simple, non-judgmental check-in — 'you seem upset lately, is everything okay?' — can open the door for them to share what's going on.
Early recognition is what makes early support possible.