Cyberbullying is often underestimated because it doesn’t leave physical marks—yet its emotional impact can be deeper and longer-lasting. For children, especially those aged 8–13, online peer acceptance is tied to identity development. The developing brain is highly sensitive to social rejection, especially in the digital space where threats are perceived as constant.
The amygdala (emotional alarm system) is activated more easily in children, leading to fight/flight responses to even minor social threats online.
The prefrontal cortex, responsible for regulation and reasoning, is still underdeveloped, making it harder for children to “brush things off.”
Digital messages often lack emotional cues, making teasing harder to interpret—and often more damaging.
Understanding what cyberbullying is helps adults recognize why it affects children so deeply, and how to intervene early.
