Types of Cyberbullying: What Parents Should Know

Cyberbullying can take many forms beyond mean comments or messages. Understanding the types of cyberbullying can help parents recognize what is happening and respond appropriately. Some forms are obvious, while others can be much harder to spot.

Types of Cyberbullying Parents Should Know

Harassment

Harassment involves repeated, targeted messages intended to intimidate, threaten, or upset someone. It can happen through direct messages, comments, or repeated tagging. The key signs are repeated contact and clear targeting.

Exclusion

Exclusion means deliberately leaving someone out of group chats, shared posts, or online spaces. Parents may find this form harder to notice. There may be no offensive message to point to. Instead, they may see a pattern of being left out.

Impersonation

Impersonation occurs when someone creates a fake account using another person’s identity. It can also involve accessing a person’s real account without permission. The bully may then post embarrassing or damaging content in the victim’s name.

This type of cyberbullying can be especially distressing because it can damage a child’s reputation while appearing to come from the child themselves.

Outing and Doxxing

Outing involves sharing someone’s private information, images, or personal details without consent. This might include private messages, embarrassing photos, or sensitive personal information.

Doxxing takes this further by publicly sharing sensitive information such as a home address or other identifying details. Serious cases may require platform reporting or help from law enforcement.

Trickery and Catfishing for Information

Trickery involves gaining someone’s trust to obtain private or embarrassing information. The person may then share that information publicly or use it to humiliate the victim.

This form can rely more on manipulation than open hostility. As a result, children may not realize they are being targeted until after they have shared something private.

Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking involves persistent, unwanted online contact or monitoring. The behavior can become intimidating or threatening. It may also continue across several platforms after the victim asks the person to stop.

Public Shaming and Pile-Ons

Public shaming happens when several people criticize, mock, or humiliate one person online. It often occurs in comment sections, group chats, or public posts.

Unlike one-on-one harassment, pile-ons can involve many people at once. This can make the experience particularly overwhelming for a child or teenager.

Gaming and Voice Chat Harassment

Gaming harassment is another important type of cyberbullying. It can happen through text or voice chat during online games.

Parents may miss this behavior because it happens in real time. Unlike written messages, voice harassment may leave little visible evidence unless the platform records or reports it.

Parents can learn more about online gaming safety in our Discord safety guide for parents.

How to Recognize Different Types of Cyberbullying

Different types of cyberbullying can require different responses. Direct harassment often leaves clear evidence, such as messages or screenshots. Parents can use this evidence when speaking with a school or reporting the behavior.

Exclusion can be harder to document. However, a repeated pattern can still have a serious emotional impact. A supportive conversation may be more helpful than immediately focusing on evidence.

Impersonation and doxxing may require faster action. Parents can report these incidents to the platform and preserve evidence before the content disappears.

If you’re also concerned about other online risks, read our guide to signs of online grooming parents often miss.

What Should Parents Do About Cyberbullying?

Start by talking with your child calmly. Avoid blaming them or immediately taking away their device. Losing access to their phone can feel like punishment, which may make them less willing to share what happened.

Save relevant screenshots, usernames, messages, and other evidence. Then use the platform’s reporting tools when appropriate. You can also contact your child’s school if classmates are involved.

For more guidance, parents can review the U.S. government guidance on cyberbullying and UNICEF’s guidance on preventing cyberbullying.

You can also read our related guide on signs of cyberbullying every parent should know to learn how cyberbullying may affect a child’s behavior, emotions, and device use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Cyberbullying

Is exclusion really considered cyberbullying?

Yes. Deliberate and repeated exclusion from online groups or spaces can be a form of cyberbullying. It can be difficult to identify because the behavior involves leaving someone out rather than sending an obvious abusive message.

What should I do if my child’s account was impersonated?

Save screenshots of the fake account and its content before reporting it. Most major platforms have reporting options for impersonation. Follow the platform’s reporting process and keep records of what you submitted.

Is one mean comment considered cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying usually involves repeated behavior or an ongoing pattern. However, a single serious threat, doxxing incident, or other harmful act still deserves attention and an appropriate response.

Can cyberbullying happen in gaming?

Yes. Gaming and voice-chat services can involve harassment, threats, humiliation, and exclusion. Parents should consider gaming spaces when looking for signs of online bullying.

Bottom Line: Understanding the Types of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is not limited to mean comments or direct messages. The types of cyberbullying include harassment, exclusion, impersonation, outing, doxxing, trickery, cyberstalking, public shaming, and gaming harassment.

Recognizing the specific type can help parents choose the right response. Pay attention to changes in your child’s behavior and online activity. Most importantly, keep communication open so your child feels safe asking for help.