Cyberbullying, Harassment, and Social Media Liability

11.11.25
Social Media Youth Harm

Cyberbullying is a pervasive risk for teens on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Discord. Studies show that repeated online harassment can lead to depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and long-term emotional trauma. Many parents are asking whether they can hold social media companies accountable. The Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C., experienced social media harm lawyers, represent families in pursuing claims when platforms fail to protect minors. Filing a social media addiction lawsuit can provide compensation for emotional harm, therapy, and other damages.

What Is Cyberbullying and How It Affects Teens

Cyberbullying occurs when peers, strangers, or even organized groups use social media to harass, intimidate, or shame a minor. Examples include:

Posting humiliating or doctored images of a teen on social media
Sending repeated threatening messages or direct messages
Spreading false rumors or defamatory statements about a child
Encouraging exclusion or shaming through viral challenges
Publicly tagging or “doxxing” a teen to expose personal information

The effects of these actions can be devastating. Victims often experience anxiety, depression, poor academic performance, social withdrawal, low self-esteem, and, in extreme cases, self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Teens can feel powerless to escape, as the bullying spreads rapidly across multiple platforms.

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- Major depression or other mood disorders
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- Cutting and other self-harm
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Social Media Companies Are Aware

cyberbullying harassment social media liability

Research and investigative reports have repeatedly shown that social media companies are aware of the risks cyberbullying poses to youth but often fail to take sufficient measures to protect them. For example:

Internal studies at major platforms have demonstrated that harassment and bullying content is widespread, yet moderation systems often fail to remove harmful material promptly.
Algorithmic amplification sometimes pushes divisive or shocking content to teens, increasing exposure to bullying and harmful social comparison.
Parental controls and safety tools are often difficult to access, incomplete, or not actively enforced.

This lack of action has prompted families to pursue legal claims, arguing that these companies knowingly expose minors to harm while prioritizing engagement and profit.

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Legal Responsibility of Social Media Companies

Parents may pursue legal claims if platforms neglect their duty to protect users. Potential causes of action include:

Negligence in moderating or removing harmful content
Failure to provide adequate safety features or parental controls
Design of algorithms that amplify harmful or harassing content
Emotional distress claims for the psychological impact on the teen

The Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C. has extensive experience handling cases against social media companies, guiding parents through the evidence-gathering process and building strong social media addiction lawsuits.

Steps to Take if Your Child is Being Cyberbullied

Document all harassment: screenshots, dates, and communications
Seek mental health support for your child
Contact a social media harm lawyer at the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C. to review the legal options
Preserve social media accounts and app usage logs for evidence
Want to learn more? Click here for guidance on preventing cyberbullying and supporting teens.

Call 844‑692‑1200 or fill out a form on our Social Media Youth Harm page to schedule a free consultation with the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C., your trusted social media harm lawyers.

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By clicking the "SUBMIT" button, I consent to receive recurring auto dialed and/or pre-recorded telemarketing calls and/or text messages from Law Offices of Steven Gacovino or our partners in order to discuss my legal options and at the telephone number I provided. I also consent to the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. I understand that I may receive a call even if my telephone number is listed on a Do Not Call list and that my consent is not a requirement of purchase. I understand that my telephone company may impose charges on me for these contacts and that I can revoke this consent at any time. For SMS campaigns: Text STOP to cancel and HELP for help. Msg & data rates may apply. Recurring msgs up to 27 msgs per month.

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