Cyberbullying and Mental Health: Insights from Dr. Mickaël Worms-Ehrminger

November is Anti-Bullying Awareness Month in France and Germany, a great opportunity to raise awareness of all forms of bullying and the profound emotional scars it can leave behind.

As the cold season settles in, both kids and adults begin spending more time indoors and online, it’s the perfect time to start a conversation about how online interactions can impact mental health.

Digital platforms are great when it comes to connecting friends and communities, but they are also a breeding ground for cyberbullying, a form of harassment that follows victims beyond school, work, or social circles.

To better understand the psychological toll of cyberbullying and the long road to recovery, we spoke with Dr. Mickaël Worms-Ehrminger, lecturer, researcher, and public health expert specializing in mental health and behavioral sciences. He explains why cyberbullying hurts so deeply, what victims and witnesses can do, and why “resilience” shouldn’t mean facing trauma alone.

Q&A with Dr. Mickaël Worms-Ehrminger

Q: How would you define cyberbullying from a psychological point of view?

“Cyberbullying is a form of repeated violence that invades a person’s private life — and it never really stops,” explains Dr. Worms-Ehrminger.
“It causes stress, anxiety, and loss of self-esteem. It can be as damaging, or even more damaging, than traditional bullying because it follows victims everywhere — into their homes, onto their phones, into their minds.”

Online harassment blurs the boundaries between personal and public life. Victims can feel cornered, unable to escape the negativity that keeps resurfacing with every notification.

Q: Have you observed an increase in cyberbullying cases in France? Why?

“Yes, cyberbullying has clearly been on the rise in France,” says Dr. Worms-Ehrminger.
“Nearly one in four children and more than half of young adults say they’ve already been victims.”

He attributes this rise to the increasing time spent online, the expansion of social networks, and the ease of anonymity that digital platforms allow.

“Words and images spread instantly and can remain visible for a very long time — sometimes forever,” he adds. “Cyberbullying doesn’t end when you close your laptop. It crosses the doorstep and follows you onto your phone.”

This permanent exposure, combined with low awareness of digital risks, helps explain why the phenomenon has become so widespread.

Q: What should victims and witnesses do when cyberbullying occurs?

“Above all, victims should not stay silent,” emphasizes Dr. Worms-Ehrminger.

His advice is clear:

• Talk about it — reach out to someone you trust or a mental health professional.
• Keep all evidence — screenshots, messages, and dates.
• Block and report the perpetrator on the platform or platforms where the harassment occurred
• In cases of serious threats or ongoing distress, contact your national hotline for online harassment victims (3018 in France)

Victims can also file a complaint or send a report to the public prosecutor. Even if a case is dismissed, they may still pursue legal action as a civil party.
In some cases, insurance plans, local associations, or legal aid can assist with costs.

For witnesses, the first rule is simple: don’t amplify the harm.

“Don’t share the content, don’t comment — just support the victim and report it,” Dr. Worms-Ehrminger stresses. “Everyone can make a difference by helping to break the isolation that allows harassment to continue.”

Q: Are authorities doing enough to address online harassment?

“Things are improving,” he acknowledges, “but progress remains uneven.”

New systems such as the 3018 helpline and the Gendarmerie’s digital task force have helped, but many victims still encounter untrained responders, lengthy procedures, and a lack of recognition of the psychological impact.

“Resources are growing,” he says, “but the response is still too slow for the fast-moving online world.”

Q: The word ‘resilience’ is often used when talking about recovery. What does it really mean in this context?

“We shouldn’t expect victims to be resilient at all costs,” says Dr. Worms-Ehrminger.
“After cyberbullying, it’s not the victim’s job to become stronger — it’s society’s job to better protect them.”

He sees value in the term cyber-resilience only if it’s understood as rebuilding with help, regaining trust, and using technology safely again — not as an order to “get over it” alone.

“The term ‘resilience’ has been overused and stripped of meaning,” he adds. “It describes recovery after a shock but ignores the lasting impact. I prefer “residual impact”— it acknowledges the weight that stays with you, the trauma that lingers.”

His final message to victims is simple and powerful:

“Talk about it. Get support. Refuse to feel guilty. Healing is not an individual mission — it’s a shared responsibility.”

Practical Tips for Victims and Witnesses

If you’re a victim:

• Don’t face it alone — talk to someone you trust.
• Keep evidence such as screenshots, messages, and dates.
• Block and report the perpetrator.
• Contact 3018 for help and resources.
• Seek professional support — your mental wellbeing matters.

If you’re a witness:

• Don’t share or engage with harmful content.
• Offer your support to the victim.
• Report the behavior to moderators or via 3018.

Together, these small actions can make a big difference, helping protect others and rebuilding trust in online spaces.

 Protecting Families Online Starts with Awareness — and the Right Tools

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By combining education, empathy, and smart protection, families can create safer online spaces where respect and kindness thrive.

About Dr. Mickaël Worms-Ehrminger

Dr. Mickaël Worms-Ehrminger is a lecturer and researcher in public health and behavioral sciences, with a focus on mental health and disability.
He produces the podcasts Les Maux Bleus and Tracer la Voix, and authored Living with a Mental Health Disorder (Marabout, 2023). His upcoming book, Communicating in Mental Health, will be published by Presses de l’EHESP in February 2026.
He also offers consulting and training through his studio, Triptyque Conseil.