Why This
Matters
Bullying is not harmless. It is not a rite of passage. It is a national mental health crisis — and it is destroying the lives of children every single day.
"Bullying is not just part of growing up."
It is a serious emotional, psychological, and mental health crisis affecting millions of children every year. The damage it causes is real, lasting, and — in the most heartbreaking cases — fatal.
The National Anti-Bullying Foundation exists because we refuse to accept that this is normal. We refuse to look away. And we believe that with the right education, compassion, and community, we can change the lives of children across America.
The Numbers Don't Lie
These are not just statistics. These are children.
students in the U.S. report being bullied during the school year.
students skip school every day due to fear of being bullied.
of U.S. teens have experienced some form of online harassment.
more likely to consider suicide — the risk for victims of bullying.
of young people say they have seen bullying in their schools.
Suicide is consistently among the leading causes of death for people aged 10–24.
The Long-Term Impact
Bullying leaves wounds that don't always show — but they don't heal on their own.
Anxiety & Depression
Bullying victims are significantly more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders, depression, and chronic stress — effects that can last well into adulthood.
Low Self-Esteem
Repeated humiliation, isolation, and harassment erode a child's sense of self-worth and identity in ways that take years to heal.
Academic Decline
Students who are bullied struggle to focus, participate, and succeed in school. Many fall behind, drop out, or lose their love of learning entirely.
Cyberbullying
Online harassment follows children home. Unlike physical bullying, cyberbullying is constant, public, and nearly impossible to escape.
Self-Harm & Suicidal Thoughts
Victims of chronic bullying are at dramatically increased risk for self-harm and suicidal ideation. This is not a phase — it is a crisis.
Social Isolation
Many children suffer in silence, too afraid or ashamed to speak up. Isolation deepens emotional wounds and removes the support they desperately need.
The Crisis We Cannot Ignore
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among people under 18 in the United States.
Thousands of children and teenagers attempt suicide every year.
Mental health experts have identified bullying, humiliation, isolation, and online harassment as significant contributing factors in many youth mental health crises.
Children who feel unsupported, invisible, or alone are far more vulnerable to emotional trauma and long-term psychological harm.
Many children never tell an adult — they suffer in silence until the pain becomes unbearable.
Warning Signs Parents & Teachers Should Recognize
A child who is being bullied may not ask for help. Watch for these signs.
Suddenly withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed
Changes in eating or sleeping habits
Unexplained physical symptoms — stomachaches, headaches before school
Declining grades or loss of interest in school
Appearing sad, anxious, or depressed after using a phone or computer
Avoiding school or making excuses not to attend
Loss of self-esteem or talk of feeling worthless or hopeless
Unexplained changes in mood, behavior, or personality
"Bullying is not harmless."
"No child should feel invisible."
"Every child deserves to feel safe."
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help Right Now
You are not alone. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
This Is Not Just a Website.
This Is a National Movement.
Together, we can create a generation where compassion is stronger than cruelty.