A Biblical Perspective on Cyberbullying by Tina Malaty
In our digital age, interactions between people increasingly take place online, through social media, text messaging, gaming platforms, and other virtual spaces.
Along with the many blessings of connection, learning, and community, this new frontier has also brought cyberbullying — repeated harassment, humiliation, or threats directed at someone via digital means. While the medium is modern, the moral harm and emotional pain inflicted are very real.
The Reality and Cost of Cyberbullying
Research has repeatedly shown that cyberbullying isn’t insignificant or “just online teasing” — it’s linked with serious emotional trauma and increased risk of suicide. In large studies:
- Youth who experienced cyberbullying were more than four times as likely to report suicidal thoughts or attempts than their peers who weren’t bullied online.
- Surveys demonstrate that adolescents who face cyberbullying have significantly higher rates of sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal planning compared to those who aren’t cyberbullied.
- Meta-analyses show that being victimized — online or offline — correlates strongly with suicidal ideation and attempts in children and teens.
- Combined bullying (traditional + online) carries an even greater risk for suicide attempts than either form alone.
These are not isolated anecdotes; these are broad patterns seen across countries and studies.
Cyberbullying Through a Biblical Lens
The Bible consistently teaches that how we treat others — in word, deed, and spirit — matters deeply to God:
Human beings are made in God’s image.
“So God created mankind in his own image…” — Genesis 1:27
Every person — including those online — bears that divine imprint. To dismiss another’s dignity for a laugh, power, or entertainment online is contrary to God’s design.
Our words carry life or death.
“The tongue has the power of life and death…” — Proverbs 18:21
When we use words to wound, shame, or degrade others online, we violate the call to speak life, truth, and love.
Hatred and contempt are not of God.
“Whoever hates his brother is a murderer…” — 1 John 3:15
Hatred in the heart — and expression of it in the digital sphere — aligns with the very spirit of violence Scripture condemns.
Bullying contradicts the command to love.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Matthew 22:39“
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another…” — Ephesians 4:32
Cyberbullying traffics in unkindness, cruelty, exclusion, rumour, and shame — all antithetical to Christ-like love.
The Moral Responsibility of Witnesses
When we see bullying — whether in the lunchroom, the hallway, or the comment section — Scripture teaches that silence is not neutral:
Speak up for the vulnerable.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.” — Proverbs 31:8–9
This includes advocating for someone who is being attacked online. Ignoring their pain because it’s “just on the Internet” does not honor their inherent worth.
Bear one another’s burdens.
“Carry each other’s burdens…” — Galatians 6:2
This means offering compassion, protection, and support to those hurt, including reaching out, reporting harmful conduct to appropriate authorities, and standing with the victim in prayer and practical help.
The righteous must act justly.
“But let justice roll on like a river…” — Amos 5:24“
Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly…” — Micah 6:8
Justice in the digital world means discouraging cruelty, refusing to passively accept abuse, and creating safe spaces where dignity is protected.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
The Bible underscores that ignoring injustice is not morally innocent:
“If you fail to rescue those being led away to death…” — Proverbs 24:11–12
God holds us accountable not just for what we do, but for what we allow.
Witnessing cyberbullying and doing nothing reflects a heart hardened to pain and injustice. In James 4:17, we read:
“Anyone, then, who knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”
Doing nothing when someone is harmed is a kind of passive complicity — particularly when that harm contributes to despair or self-destructive thoughts.
Practical, Christ-like Responses Online
Here are biblically aligned ways to respond to cyberbullying you witness:
1. Encourage and uplift the victim.
“Encourage the discouraged…” — 1 Thessalonians 5:14
A private message of care, affirmation, and prayer can counteract the destructive voices.
2. Report abusive behavior. Many platforms allow reporting harmful content. Acting to protect someone is a form of loving your neighbor.
3. Confront the bully with truth and grace — when safe.
“Speak the truth in love.” — Ephesians 4:15
Sometimes a calm, Christ-like correction can defuse the cruelty and open a door to repentance.
4. Pray without ceasing.
“Pray for those who persecute you…” — Matthew 5:44
Even when it’s hard, lift both the victim and the aggressor to God. Pray for healing, transformation, and grace.
Conclusion: Cyberbullying and Christian Character
Cyberbullying is more than a “tech problem”— it’s a heart issue. Its presence and its consequences — including elevated risk of suicidal ideation and attempts among vulnerable youth — demand our compassion, courage, and Christ-centered action. Christians are called not merely to believe right things but to do right things — especially when another’s life and dignity are at stake.
Let us be known as a people who lift up the fallen, defend the oppressed, and speak love and justice into every arena — online and offline.
