October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time for all of us to recommit to creating safe and supportive environments for our children. While we often picture bullying on the playground or in the school hallway, the reality is that for many young people today, bullying has moved online, becoming a constant and pervasive threat.

New data reveals a concerning rise in cyberbullying, with more than half of teens reporting they have experienced some form of it. Platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok, which are central to modern social life, are often where this emotional harm unfolds. Unlike traditional bullying that might end at the school bell, cyberbullying is a 24/7 issue that can follow a child into the safety of their home, leading to severe anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

One of the most insidious forms of digital bullying is a phenomenon known as “relational bullying.” This is not about a physical threat but about a strategic and hurtful campaign to damage a person's social standing. It often takes the form of spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos or screenshots, or, perhaps most painfully, intentionally excluding someone from online group chats and social circles. In a world where a child's social life is increasingly lived online, this kind of exclusion can be devastating.

 

At Lutheran Family and Children's Services, our mission is to empower children and families to overcome challenges today so they can build a better tomorrow. This includes helping parents and kids navigate the complex and often painful

world of cyberbullying. The role of parents is more critical—and more challenging—than ever. It requires a shift from simply monitoring activities to fostering a foundation of trust and open communication.

So, how can you help?

• Talk, and more importantly, listen. Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable sharing their digital life, including both the positive and the challenging aspects. Ask open-ended questions about their friends, what they're seeing online, and how specific platforms make them feel.
• Set healthy boundaries. Work with your child to establish a family media plan. This isn’t about punishment but about setting healthy habits. Consider "device-free" times, or having all devices charged in a common area overnight.
• Know the signs. Be aware of changes in your child’s behavior. Are they becoming withdrawn or secretive about their device use? Are they showing signs of depression or anxiety? These could be red flags that something is wrong.
• Be a digital role model. Show your children what respectful online behavior looks like. Think before you post, and model kindness and empathy in your own digital interactions.

A Strong Call to Action

 

Bullying in any form is unacceptable. This October, let's use National Bullying Prevention Month as an opportunity to educate ourselves and our children about the unique challenges of the digital age. By working together, we can empower our kids to be resilient, compassionate, and safe, both online and off.

If you are a parent or caregiver and are concerned about the mental health of your child, LFCS is here to help. Our behavioral health therapists and counselors offer compassionate and professional support for families navigating the challenges of anxiety, depression, and other emotional distress caused by bullying. You don't have to face this alone.

For more resources and to learn how our behavioral health services can support your family, please get in touch with us at lfcsmo.org or help@lfcs.org or call 866-326-LFCS (5327).

At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri, we are proud to provide low-cost, high-quality mental health counseling and psychiatry services to children and families across the state. While these services are essential for addressing a wide range of mental health challenges, many people may not fully understand the difference between therapy and psychiatry. Knowing which professional to turn to when your child is experiencing a mental health issue is crucial for getting the right support at the right time. This guide will help you better understand these distinct yet complementary approaches to mental health care.

Mental health counseling focuses on addressing emotional, social, and behavioral concerns through talk therapy. Licensed therapists, counselors, or social workers provide counseling to help individuals understand their emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve relationships. Common therapeutic techniques include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Play Therapy, and Family Counseling.

Counseling is ideal for addressing issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Stress Management, Relationship Challenges, Disruptive Behaviors and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Sessions are typically held weekly or bi-weekly, fostering a continuous, supportive relationship between the counselor and the client. This process helps clients navigate life’s challenges and build resilience over time.

At LFCS, our counseling services are tailored to children and families’ unique needs, ensuring evidence-based care that promotes growth and healing. Learn more here.

Psychiatry focuses on the medical evaluation and treatment of mental health disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, often through medication management and other medical interventions.

Psychiatry is particularly effective for managing conditions such as ADHD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Psychotic Symptoms, and Anxiety. Psychiatrists conduct comprehensive evaluations and develop personalized treatment plans, which may include prescribing medications to stabilize symptoms. Follow-up sessions are typically less frequent than counseling sessions and focus on reviewing and adjusting treatment as needed.

LFCS psychiatry services provide children and adolescents with access to specialized care, including evaluations, medication management, and care planning. Learn more here.

While counseling and psychiatry serve different purposes, they often complement each other. Counseling provides a supportive space for emotional growth and skill-building, while psychiatry addresses the biological and medical aspects of mental health. For example, a child dealing with anxiety might benefit from therapy to develop coping strategies, alongside psychiatric care to manage severe symptoms through medication.

At LFCS, we are proud to offer a range of mental health services tailored to meet the needs of children and families. Our counseling services are available in most areas across Missouri, providing therapeutic guidance and support wherever it’s needed. Additionally, we offer psychiatry services, including medical intervention, exclusively in St. Louis County and Franklin County. Please call us at 866-326-LFCS (5327) for availability of our behavioral health services in your area.

If you or someone you know is seeking mental health support, LFCS is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and take the first step toward a brighter future.