If your child uses social media, it is important to understand cancel culture and how online criticism can affect teen mental health. Learning about this topic can help you support your child if they experience online shaming or cyberbullying.
What is cancel culture?
Cancel culture happens when a person is publicly criticised online for something they have said or done that others find offensive. While it often involves celebrities or companies, it is becoming increasingly common among children and teenagers on social media.
Information can spread quickly online, and situations can escalate rapidly. A young person may feel overwhelmed if they suddenly receive negative attention from peers.
What does being cancelled look like?
A child or teenager experiencing cancel culture may:
- Receive negative comments or messages online
- Be excluded from friendship groups
- Have posts shared or discussed by others
- Feel embarrassed or exposed online
- Experience rumours or misinformation being spread
- How can cancel culture affect mental health?
Being publicly criticised or excluded online can have a significant impact on young people’s emotional wellbeing.
Common effects include:
- Anxiety about being judged online
- Low self-esteem after public criticism
- Social isolation from peers
- Low mood or depression
- Fear about posting on social media
Teenagers are particularly sensitive to peer approval, so online rejection can feel very distressing.
When does cancel culture become cyberbullying?
Cancel culture can overlap with cyberbullying when online behaviour becomes harmful or targeted.
Cyberbullying may include:
- Sending abusive or threatening messages
- Sharing private information without permission
- Posting content intended to embarrass someone
- Encouraging others to exclude or shame a person
- Ongoing public humiliation online
How can parents support their child?
Open conversations about social media can help children feel safer discussing difficult experiences.
You can support your child by encouraging them to:
Avoid responding to abusive messages
Save evidence by taking screenshots
Block or report harmful accounts
Speak to a trusted adult or school staff member
Reassure your child that they can come to you for help without fear of punishment or losing access to their phone.
When to seek professional support
If your child is experiencing cyberbullying, online harassment, or anxiety related to social media, professional support can help them process their experience and rebuild confidence.
If you would like support for yourself, please get in touch via the contact form:
