What may be happening
Your teen may seem withdrawn, anxious, or obsessed with their phone after online conflict. They may fear telling you because they worry you will take their phone away—their primary social lifeline.
What can help
Listen without immediately saying "just get off social media." Take screenshots of cyberbullying before blocking or reporting. Help configure privacy settings and blocking features. Involve school administrators for persistent bullying; contact law enforcement for threats. Set phone boundaries around sleep and homework without using phone loss as punishment for seeking help. Make clear they can come to you with online problems without automatic device confiscation.
When to get support
Consider professional support if symptoms persistently interfere with daily life, relationships, or safety. Seek urgent help if you are having thoughts of self-harm or feel unable to stay safe; in the U. S. , call or text 988. Seek school counseling, pediatric mental health care, or crisis support if cyberbullying causes self-harm thoughts, severe withdrawal, or threats; call 988 for immediate safety concerns.