Most of us grew up hearing the conventional wisdom that “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Although it was never actually true, it is even less true today. Modern youth not only deal with harmful words from people they know in the real world; they often find themselves “ganged up on” by peers, strangers, and anonymous online communities through what is commonly referred to as cyberbullying.

As we highlight the importance of digital safety and youth wellness this April, it is vital to recognize that the digital world is more than just a social outlet – it is a primary environment where a child’s mental health is shaped.

The Hidden Toll of Digital Harassment

According to the American Psychological Association, cyberbullying occurs when technology is used to intentionally demean, inflict harm, or cause pain to another person. Because this harm is delivered via the devices that rarely leave our children’s hands, the reach is constant. In a 2025 survey of U.S. youth aged 13-17, the majority (58%) reported being the subject of cyberbullying in their lifetime. Even more frightening, nearly 1 in 4 admitted they had been the ones to cyberbully someone else.

Despite these high numbers, only about 10% of victims report the abuse to a trusted adult. Unlike the “sticks and stones” our parents warned us about, online assaults leave no visible bruises. However, the internal impact is profound. Research published in JAMA Network Open indicates that young people who experience cyberbullying are more than four times as likely to report thoughts of suicide or attempts than those who do not. This reality elevates digital safety from a household rule to a critical pillar of suicide prevention.

Recognizing the Signs of “Digital Withdrawal”

Because youth often keep harassment secret, parents must become students of their children’s behavior. The most critical “red flag” is often a sudden change in digital habits. While we often worry about kids spending too much time online, a sudden, unexplained digital withdrawal can be just as alarming.

Parents should look for noticeable shifts in their child’s behavior, such as abruptly shutting down social media accounts, appearing “blocked” by friends, or losing interest in once-loved digital hobbies. In the context of mental health, social withdrawal – both online and off – is a primary warning sign of a crisis. Other behavioral red flags include excessive emotional responses to a device, such as anger or tears, or a new habit of hiding the screen whenever a parent enters the room.

Building a Foundation of Trust

The goal of parenting in today’s digital age isn’t to police every click, but to build a foundation of trust that acts as a safety net. This starts with a “No-Consequences” Policy. Fear of having a phone confiscated is the primary reason children hide online abuse. By promising that you won’t take their phone away if they come to you with a problem, you remove the barrier to their safety.

We can also protect their mental resilience through Sleep Hygiene. Having all devices “go to bed” in a common area one hour before bedtime ensures that a young person’s brain has time to regulate. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sleep deprivation in teens is directly linked to increased risks of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. A rested brain is a more resilient brain.

Finally, remember that digital safety is an ongoing conversation, not a one-time lecture. By staying engaged and fostering open dialogue, we ensure our children know that no matter what happens behind a screen, they are never alone in the real world. Additionally, modeling healthy habits ourselves – avoiding the urge to “doomscroll” or engage in online vitriol – shows our children how to use the internet as a tool for connection rather than a source of distress.

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Resources for Families

If you fear your child is in a mental health crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, help is available 24/7. Digital wellness is suicide prevention, and support is available right here in Columbiana County.

— CALL OR TEXT 988: Reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 for free, confidential support for yourself or someone you are concerned about.

— CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.

— VISIT STOPBULLYING.GOV: Gain tools and resources to help your child navigate online conflict.

— EMERGENCY: If there is an immediate risk of harm, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

This article is brought to you by the Columbiana County Suicide Prevention Coalition. To learn more about our resources, local initiatives, or how to get involved, please visit https://tinyurl.com/Suicide-Prevention-Coalition and follow us on Facebook @ColumbianaCountySuicidePreventionCoalition.