Cyberbullying can trigger symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in teens and should be classified as an “adverse childhood experience” (ACE), according to a new study published in BMC Public Health.
The research, led by Dr. Sameer Hinduja of Florida Atlantic University, analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of U.S. teens aged 13 to 17. The findings are sobering: 53.9% of respondents reported experiencing cyberbullying, and among those, more than half had endured online cruelty within the past month. This included being excluded from group chats, targeted by rumors, or receiving mean or hurtful comments online.
Crucially, the study found that the type of cyberbullying—whether direct threats or subtle social exclusion—had no significant impact on the severity of trauma reported. All forms were associated with similar levels of psychological harm.
“As our research clearly shows, cyberbullying in any form — whether it’s exclusion from a group chat or direct threats — can lead to significant trauma in youth,” Hinduja said in a statement. “We were surprised to find that no single type of cyberbullying caused more harm than others; all carried a similar risk of traumatic outcomes.”
Gender and age also played a role in trauma response. Boys reported lower trauma scores than girls, and younger adolescents were more likely to report severe trauma compared to older peers. Regardless of these differences, the frequency of cyberbullying was directly correlated with the level of trauma experienced.
The authors argue that schools must treat cyberbullying not as a disciplinary matter alone, but as a public health issue requiring trauma-informed care. They urge educators to avoid downplaying certain behaviors and instead offer comprehensive support systems, including crisis intervention plans and skill-building programs to help students cope.
“It seems vital to avoid prioritizing or trivializing any particular type [of cyberbullying] over another,” the researchers concluded.
The study adds to growing evidence that the digital landscape, while offering connection and opportunity, can also expose young people to serious emotional harm—harm that, if left unaddressed, may carry long-term consequences well into adulthood.
