Parent & caregiver guide
Cyberbullying, group chats, and online cruelty
Online bullying doesn't stop at the school door and it comes with an audience. Kids often hide it because they fear losing their phone — so the first thing to promise is that telling you will not cost them their device. Documentation matters: screenshots turn a rumor into something the school and platform must act on.
Save this guide or share it with a teacher, counselor, or co-parent.
What to look for
Common signs
- Hiding the screen, flinching at notifications, or suddenly quitting an app
- Mood crashes right after being online
- Deleting accounts or making new secret ones
- Not wanting to go to school after a weekend online
Do this first
Practical strategies to try today
- 01
Say first: "You will not lose your phone for telling me." Then listen without reacting.
- 02
Screenshot everything with dates before blocking. Save it to a folder.
- 03
Report inside the app and to the school — Missouri schools must address bullying that disrupts learning.
- 04
Block and mute together, so they don't have to do it alone.
- 05
Rebuild one offline connection this week — a team, club, church group, or one friend.
How to bring it up
Conversation starters
"Is anything happening in the group chats that's been getting to you?"
"You will not get in trouble and you will not lose your phone. What's going on?"
"Do you want me to help, or do you want me to just listen right now?"
Print & use tonight
Worksheets and checklists
Watch
Recommended videos
Where to turn
Community resources
Don't wait
When to seek additional support
- Threats of violence, doxxing, or sharing of private images — contact police
- Any hopelessness or self-harm talk — call or text 988
- The school does not respond after a written report
Still not sure what your child needs? Care Solutions offers free, non-clinical navigation for families — tell us what's going on and we'll help you find the next step.