Modern day bullying can look very different from what is shown in movies and TV shows.
Over time, bullying has shifted from being exaggerated and obvious acts, to becoming more subtle and simplified acts.
Since the development of phones and the growth of social media, different forms of bullying have skyrocketed.
According to Bright Path Behavioral Health, in the past year, over one and six high school students, around 16%, reported being bullied through electronics and social media.
According to Bright Path cyberbullying itself has risen from 16.7% in 2016 to 32.1% in 2025 within 13-17 year olds.
“Social media intensifies cyberbullying, it doesn’t just happen at school, and it allows for the bullying to continue once you go home,” school counselor Kristi Meinert said.
Cyberbullying can come in many different forms as well.
Along with harassment, like mean texts and photos that often target someone’s self esteem, common types of cyberbullying also includes denigration, impersonating and catfishing.
All types of bullying have severe and long lasting impacts on all involved.
For victims, bullying can lead to mental health impacts like depression, anxiety, PTSD and anger. It can also lead to behavioral issues like eating and sleep changes, poor academic performance and sometimes substance abuse.
For bullies, bullying can cause an increase in aggression, an increased risk of substance abuse and a higher risk for psychiatric issues, like depression and anxiety.
“There is a protocol where if the adult is told about bullying, we let administration know and they conduct an investigation, like talking to the target and alleged perpetrator,” Meinert said.
There are many ways available to help stop and even prevent bullying.
North Central offers a way to anonymously report bullying. Students can find QR codes on posters created by the NCHS Live! staff, promoting mental health.
These posters are distributed around the school and in counseling offices.
Counselors also have a way to schedule meetings on the counseling canvas page.
“The school offers many resources for students because they have a lot of places you can go with counselors, and many websites you can go to,” Santarossa said.
You Matter Week is the week of Feb 23, during this week the counseling team will be working to cover stories surruonding students’ mental health.
