How do I support my teen through social media drama and cyberbullying?

Social media drama and cyberbullying can be just as harmful as in-person bullying, and sometimes more so because it follows teens into their homes and happens 24/7. Take their online experiences seriously, even if the drama seems trivial to you. What feels like minor social media conflict to an adult can feel devastating to a teenager whose social world is largely online. Listen without judgment and avoid immediately suggesting they just 'get off social media' - for many teens, this would mean cutting themselves off from their primary social connections. Help them develop healthy digital Personal boundaries, like turning off notifications during homework or sleep quality time, and teach them about privacy settings and blocking features. Encourage them to screenshot evidence of cyberbullying before blocking or reporting the person. If the bullying is severe or persistent, don't hesitate to involve school administrators or even law enforcement if threats are involved. Help them understand the difference between normal social conflict and actual bullying or harassment. Teach them strategies for responding to online drama, like not engaging with provocative posts and talking to trusted adults when situations escalate. Most importantly, make sure they know they can come to you with online problems without fear responses of losing their phone or internet privileges, as this managing fear often prevents teens from seeking help when they need it most.