Bullying & Cyberbullying Statistics (2025): Trends, Risk Groups & Help
Bullying & Cyberbullying — Quick Reference Stats and Sources
| Key Statistic (U.S.) | Source |
|---|---|
| 34.0% of teens ages 12–17 were bullied in the past year (July 2021–Dec 2023). | CDC NCHS Data Brief No. 514 |
| By age: 38.4% of teens 12–14 vs 29.7% of teens 15–17 were bullied. | CDC NCHS Data Brief No. 514 |
| By sex: girls 38.3% vs boys 29.9% bullied. | CDC NCHS Data Brief No. 514 |
| Sexual or gender minority youth bullied at 47.1% vs 30.0% for non-minority peers. | CDC NCHS Data Brief No. 514 |
| Teens with a developmental disability bullied at 44.4% vs 31.3% without disability. | CDC NCHS Data Brief No. 514 |
| 19% of high school students were bullied on school property in 2023. | CDC YRBS 2023 Data Summary |
| 16% of high school students were electronically bullied in 2023. | CDC YRBS 2023 Data Summary |
| At school by sex: females 22%, males 17%. | CDC YRBS 2023 Data Summary |
| Electronic by sex: females 21%, males 12%. | CDC YRBS 2023 Data Summary |
| At school by identity: LGBTQ+ 29% vs cisgender heterosexual 16%. | CDC YRBS 2023 Data Summary |
| Electronic by identity: LGBTQ+ 25% vs cisgender heterosexual 13%. | CDC YRBS 2023 Data Summary |
| Where bullying happens most at school: classroom 39%, hallway 37.5%, cafeteria 25.1%, outside 24.4%, online or text 21.6%. | StopBullying.gov (NCES & CDC) |
| Among students bullied at school, 21.6% were bullied online or by text. | StopBullying.gov |
| Middle school bullying is higher: 26.3% vs high school 15.7%. | StopBullying.gov (NCES School Crime Supplement) |
| Only 44.2% of bullied students told an adult at school. | StopBullying.gov |
| Safety concerns: students missing school rose to females 16% and males 10% in 2023. | CDC YRBS 2023 Data Summary |
| Tweens: about 1 in 5 ages 9–12 have experienced or witnessed cyberbullying. | Cyberbullying Research Center |
| Recent survey trend: 26.5% of students reported cyberbullying in the prior 30 days (national survey series). | Cyberbullying.org Facts |
Key takeaways
Bullying is still common. About 1 in 3 U.S. teens ages 12 to 17 report being bullied in the past year, with higher rates in early adolescence.
School remains a primary setting. In 2023, 19% of high schoolers were bullied on school property and 16% were electronically bullied.
Risk is not equal. Bullying disproportionately affects girls, LGBTQ+ youth, and students with disabilities.
Cyberbullying overlaps with in-person bullying. Among students bullied at school, about 1 in 5 also report online bullying.
Most students do not tell an adult. Fewer than half of bullied students notified school staff, which delays help.
“Bullying isn’t just a phase kids grow out of. It can deeply impact their confidence and mental health. Taking it seriously shows your child they matter”
Nearly one in three U.S. teens reports being bullied.
What counts as bullying and cyberbullying
Bullying involves unwanted aggressive behavior, a power imbalance, and repetition or a high likelihood of repetition. Cyberbullying is the same pattern in online spaces such as texts, social media, group chats, gaming, and photo sharing.
Common forms: name calling, rumors, exclusion, threats, physical aggression, and the sharing of private images or information.
Bullying happens most often in classrooms (39%) and hallways (37.5%).
How common is it right now
Big picture across adolescence: 34% of teens report bullying in the past year. That includes 38% of ages 12 to 14 and 30% of ages 15 to 17. At the high school level, 19% were bullied at school and 16% were cyberbullied in 2023. Girls report higher rates than boys in both settings.
“Parents often expect bullying to look obvious. Many teens describe subtle patterns that chip away at them over time”
Younger teens (12–14) face higher bullying rates (38.4%) compared to older teens (29.7%).
Who is most at risk
LGBTQ+ youth: bullying at school affects about 29%, and 25% report electronic bullying.
Students with disabilities: bullying is reported by about 44% of teens with developmental disabilities.
Younger students: early teens report the highest rates.
Social dynamics: students often say those who bullied them were more popular or had social influence.
These patterns do not mean bullying is inevitable. They help schools and families target support where it is most needed.
Girls (38.3%) are more likely than boys (29.9%) to report bullying.
Where and how bullying happens
The most common places are familiar: classrooms, hallways, and the cafeteria. Bullying also occurs outside on school grounds, on the bus, and online or by text. Because online and in-person bullying often overlap, students who are targeted in one setting deserve support for both.
Girls report bullying at higher rates (38.3%) compared to boys (29.9%).
Cyberbullying in focus
About 16% of high school students report electronic bullying. Girls report 21% and boys 12%. LGBTQ+ students report 25%. Independent national surveys show periods where about one quarter of students report cyberbullying in the prior month. The combination of always-on technology and friend group dynamics can make cyberbullying feel relentless.
Signals to watch: mood drops after phone use, secrecy around apps, avoidance of school, changes in sleep, deleting accounts, or nervousness when notifications arrive.
“Cyberbullying can feel inescapable for teens since it follows them home. Setting boundaries with technology and offering a safe space offline can make a big difference.”
About 1 in 6 high school students (16%) report experiencing cyberbullying.
Mental health impact
Bullying is linked with higher rates of anxiety and depression, more persistent sadness or hopelessness, and greater suicide risk factors. Most young people who are bullied do not become suicidal, and suicide is never caused by one factor. Early support can reduce distress and restore safety and belonging.
Bullying is more common in middle school (38.4%) than in high school (29.7%).
What works: practical steps for families and schools
For families
Listen first. Validate feelings and write down the facts together.
Save evidence. Screenshots, dates, usernames, and messages.
Coach responses. Short assertive replies, blocking, reporting features, and privacy settings.
Partner with school. Ask who will ensure safety during classes, passing periods, lunch, and online tools.
Protect daily life. Keep routines for sleep, movement, and time with supportive friends.
For schools
Clear policies, consistent enforcement, and confidential reporting.
Teach friendship, empathy, and bystander skills across grades.
Monitor hot spots: classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, and bus lines.
Include LGBTQ+-affirming and disability-inclusive supports.
Communicate with parents about social media literacy and digital citizenship.
Students with disabilities (44.4%) are more likely to be bullied than students without disabilities (31.3%).
Neurodiverse children, like those on the autism spectrum, often face unique challenges with bullying. Our Autism Spectrum Statistics (2025) article shares more insights.
When to consider therapy
Consider counseling if your child shows ongoing sadness or worry, avoids school, withdraws from friends, or has trouble sleeping or eating. Therapy helps kids build confidence, communication, and coping skills, and it gives parents a plan to partner with school.
South Denver Therapy supports teens and families. We offer in person sessions in Castle Rock and secure online therapy across Colorado.
“Therapy can give kids a safe space to process bullying, rebuild self-esteem, and learn coping tools. It’s not just for crises but for building resilience.”
LGBTQ+ teens are nearly 50% more likely to report bullying (47.1%) compared to non-minority peers (30.0%).
Frequently Asked Questions About Bullying and Cyberbullying
1. Is cyberbullying getting worse?
Rates vary depending on the survey, but online harassment continues to be a serious concern. In 2023, about 16% of high school students reported electronic bullying, and some national surveys found as many as 1 in 4 teens had experienced it in the prior month. What matters most is not the numbers, but how quickly we recognize when it’s happening to our child and step in with support.
2. What if my child doesn’t want me to tell the school?
This is very common. Kids often fear that reporting will make things worse. Instead of dismissing their concern, ask them: “What would feel safe for you?” You can sometimes create a discreet plan with the school that increases supervision in specific areas (like the hallway or lunchroom) without drawing attention to your child. This way, your child still feels heard and protected.
3. Should I take away their phone if they’re being cyberbullied?
It’s tempting to remove the source of pain, but taking away the phone can backfire and make kids less likely to share next time. A better step is to limit access during rest times (like at night) and create clear rules about when and how they use it. Encourage open conversations about what they’re seeing online, and walk through together how to use blocking and reporting tools.
4. When should I escalate the situation?
Escalate immediately if there are threats, repeated harassment, sextortion, hate content, or if your child’s safety, sleep, or appetite are being affected. At this point, involve the school leadership and, if needed, local authorities. Therapy can also give your child a safe space to process the experience and develop coping skills.
5. What warning signs should I look for if my child isn’t telling me?
Watch for sudden changes: not wanting to go to school, more headaches or stomachaches, withdrawing from friends, hiding their phone, or a noticeable drop in grades. These can all be subtle signals of bullying. Kids don’t always have the words to say what’s happening, but their behavior often tells the story.
6. My child says, “It’s not a big deal.” Should I still worry?
Yes. Many kids minimize bullying because they don’t want to be a burden, or they fear retaliation. Even if they insist it’s not serious, it’s important to acknowledge what they share and keep the door open: “I’m glad you told me. If it ever gets worse or you just need to talk, I’m here.” That reassurance can make all the difference later.
7. How do I teach my child to respond in the moment?
Give them short, rehearsed phrases like “That’s not okay” or “Stop, I don’t like that.” Sometimes simply walking away is the safest choice. The goal isn’t for them to “fight back,” but to know they have strategies — and that they can always come to you afterward. Role-playing these scenarios at home can help kids feel more confident.
8. What if my child is the one doing the bullying?
This can be hard to hear, but it’s more common than parents think. Often kids who bully are struggling with their own stress, anger, or insecurity. The key is to respond with curiosity instead of shame: “Help me understand what was going on for you in that moment.” Therapy can support both the child and the family in addressing the underlying causes.
9. How do I support a child who witnessed bullying?
Bystanders also feel the weight of bullying. They may feel guilty for not stepping in or scared they’ll be targeted if they do. Encourage your child to speak up in safe ways — like telling an adult or privately checking in with the student who was bullied. Teaching empathy and allyship early helps kids feel empowered instead of helpless.
10. How can therapy help a bullied child?
Therapy offers a safe, non-judgmental space where kids can share things they may not feel comfortable telling parents or teachers. A therapist can help them rebuild self-esteem, learn coping skills, and find healthy ways to respond to bullying. Parents also gain strategies for supporting their child at home and working with the school system.
Related Reads from South Denver Therapy
ADHD Statistics (2025): How ADHD connects to social struggles and bullying risks.
Suicide Statistics (2025): The link between bullying, depression, and suicide prevention.
Domestic Violence Statistics: How family dynamics and safety issues overlap with youth mental health.
