Educational communities face rising challenges from cyberbullying

Educational communities are increasingly grappling with the intersection of digital and physical social environments, as cyberbullying continues to impact student mental health and school coexistence. Recent scientific evidence, including a meta-analysis of 27 longitudinal studies involving over 13,000 children and adolescents, indicates a small but persistent association between cyberbullying victimization and mental health symptoms over time.

Digital harassment often manifests through manipulated photographs, unauthorized video sharing, or anonymous social media accounts, such as the “curis” phenomenon on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. These digital actions frequently spill over into physical classrooms, resulting in social isolation, ridicule, and tension among peers.

In response, frameworks such as Chile’s National Policy for Educational Coexistence 2024–2030 and Law No. 21,809 aim to provide guidance on preventing harassment and violence through formative measures and protection protocols. Experts emphasize the need for coordinated responses between schools and families, ensuring accessible adult supervision and clear communication channels to protect students' rights and privacy.