Cyberbullying remains a critical concern for parents, educators, and policymakers tracking digital safety. The Pew Research Center provides data that clarify how common these experiences are and how they affect teens and young adults.
By combining large surveys and qualitative insights, Pew Research Center cyberbullying studies reveal patterns in online harassment, helping to shape informed responses across schools, platforms, and legislatures.
| Study Year | Key Focus | Sample | Reported Cyberbullying Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Online Harassment Among Teens | U.S. teens ages 13–17 | Approximately 37% |
| 2020 | Digital Abuse and School Climate | Teens and young adults 15–25 | Higher rates for LGBTQ+ youth |
| 2018 | Social Media and Harassment | U.S. teens | Name-celling and rumor spreading common |
| 2016 | Early Social Media Trends | Teens and young adults | Baseline for later comparisons |
Forms of Cyberbullying Observed by Pew
Name-Calling and Insults
Pew data highlights name-calling as the most frequently reported form of cyberbullying, often occurring on platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.
Spread of Rumors and False Information
Private messages and group chats are common channels for spreading rumors, and Pew studies show how quickly these can damage reputations online.
Exclusion and Ostracism
Teens report being intentionally left out of online conversations or group activities, a subtle yet harmful form of harassment documented by the center.
Harassment Based on Identity
Whether related to race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion, Pew research consistently finds that identity-based online abuse is a persistent challenge.
Device Access and Platform Usage Trends
Understanding which devices and platforms are most linked to cyberbullying helps parents and schools target prevention efforts effectively.
| Platform | Common Cyberbullying Behaviors | Device Type | Prevalence in Reported Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual shaming, comments | Smartphone | High | |
| Snapchat | Screenshot bullying, anonymous sharing | Smartphone | Moderate |
| TikTok | Mocking videos, duet shaming | Smartphone, Tablet | Moderate |
| Online Gaming | Voice chat harassment, team exclusion | Console, PC | Growing |
Longitudinal Insights and Changes Over Time
Pew Research Center cyberbullying center analyses often compare trends across years, revealing both progress and emerging risks.
As new apps and features appear, the ways young people experience harassment evolve, making ongoing data collection essential.
Protective Factors and Parental Strategies
Open communication, clear device rules, and early education can reduce the impact of online harassment according to Pew findings.
Parents who monitor social media use and model respectful digital behavior help create a safer environment for teens.
Implications for Schools and Policy Makers
Data-driven approaches from Pew Research Center inform anti-bullying policies, helping schools design programs that respond to current online threats.
- Use recent Pew data to update school digital safety policies
- Train staff to recognize platforms where cyberbullying is most common
- Engage parents through workshops based on real research findings
- Monitor emerging trends to adapt prevention strategies quickly
FAQ
Reader questions
What types of cyberbullying are most common according to Pew Research Center data?
Name-celling and spreading rumors are the most frequently reported forms, followed by exclusion and identity-based abuse.
Which social media platforms show the highest rates of cyberbullying in Pew studies?
Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok consistently appear in Pew data as platforms where teens experience high levels of online harassment.
How do device choices influence exposure to cyberbullying based on Pew Research Center findings?
Smartphone and tablet use correlate strongly with higher reported incidents, especially on apps that emphasize image and video sharing.
What protective strategies does Pew Research Center recommend for parents and schools?
Pew emphasizes open dialogue, clear online behavior guidelines, and digital literacy education as key defenses against cyberbullying.