What Parents, Survivors & Schools Must Understand — and How Our Philadelphia Office Can Help
The digital world was supposed to connect us. Instead, for many young people, it’s become a battleground for cyberbullying.
A new report shared by PhillyVoice paints a chilling picture of what online abuse really looks like today—and how deeply it wounds. The findings are clear: cyberbullying doesn’t need to be loud or violent to be traumatic. Exclusion from group chats, the spread of false rumors, persistent stalking, and anonymous threats are silently wreaking havoc on the mental health of our youth.
As a survivor and advocate, I’ve seen this pain firsthand. I’ve sat with survivors who felt invisible, unsupported, and deeply harmed by the way our systems fail to respond. That’s why our team of Philadelphia sexual abuse attorneys is showing up in this fight, right here in our city—with a new office dedicated to helping survivors of abuse, bullying, and institutional failure.
The Reality: Cyberbullying Is Trauma
According to researchers at the University of Buffalo, the types of online harassment that are most psychologically damaging—relational aggression, such as exclusion, defamation, and stalking—often go unnoticed or unreported. These behaviors don’t leave bruises, but they deeply bruise a child’s self-worth and safety. And when left unaddressed, they lead to:
- Depression and anxiety
- PTSD-like symptoms
- Sleep disorders
- Risk of substance use
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Cyberbullying doesn’t happen in isolation. Often, it goes hand-in-hand with sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and coercive online behavior—especially for girls, LGBTQ+ youth, and students of color.
Philadelphia Is Paying Attention: Civil Cases Are Making an Impact
In one important Philadelphia case, J.W. v. School District of Philadelphia, a student who endured prolonged bullying and sexual harassment was awarded a $500,000 settlement. The school district was found to be deliberately indifferent—failing to protect and respond, even after repeated reports. This case reminds us that when institutions turn a blind eye to abuse, they can be held legally accountable.
Our firm stands ready to do just that.
How Andreozzi + Foote Can Help in Philadelphia
We’ve Philadelphia, we’ve opened a new Philadelphia office because the need is urgent—and local families deserve strong, compassionate advocates right here in their community. Our team of Philadelphia sexual abuse attorneys has extensive experience navigating complex cases involving:
- Cyberbullying and online harassment
- Sexual abuse and exploitation
- School negligence or failure to protect
- Emotional and psychological trauma
We provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered legal support that amplifies your voice, validates your pain, and protects your rights.
What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know
Prevention and early intervention are critical. Here’s how you can support your child:
Know the signs:
- Sudden withdrawal or anxiety
- Reluctance to use devices
- Loss of friends or school avoidance
- Emotional outbursts or silence after screen time
Keep communication open:
- Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things going online lately?”
- Avoid judgment—listen with empathy and patience.
Monitor without invading:
- Use parental controls, but more importantly, build trust so they come to you when something goes wrong.
Report and document abuse:
- Save screenshots of abusive messages or posts.
- Report incidents to school administrators, platform moderators, and local authorities.
- If the school fails to act, contact an attorney.
Empowering Young People
To every young person reading this: You are not the problem. The abuse is.
Here’s what I want you to know:
- You deserve to feel safe—online and offline.
- It’s okay to speak up, even if you’re scared.
- Block. Report. Tell someone.
- If someone is threatening or harassing you online, it’s not “just drama”—it’s harm, and it matters.
- You do not have to go through this alone.
You Are Not Alone—We Are Here to Help
Cyberbullying isn’t just a teenage issue. It’s a public health crisis, a civil rights issue, and often a legal one. If your child has been harmed and the system failed to protect them, our Philadelphia sexual abuse attorneys are here to help.
Let us walk beside you. Let us fight for you.
Visit our new Philadelphia office or call us for a confidential consultation.
