[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”70px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Human connection thrives on communication, which takes many forms as we build relationships and social bonds. During adolescence, young and inexperienced brains are still testing boundaries and learning how to connect with others.<\/span><\/p>\n We strive to find belonging on the one hand, and assert our independence and agency on the other, and that\u2019s where the difference between the use of humor, teasing, banter, and bullying becomes important.<\/span><\/p>\n This happens in real life and in <\/span>group chats<\/b> – where the conversation never ends, keeping kids and teens constantly connected to their social circle.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Group chats in native messaging apps, as well as 3rd-party apps like <\/span>WhatsApp<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Telegram<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Snapchat<\/span><\/a> can become spaces for bullying for several reasons:<\/span><\/p>\n No verbal and non-verbal cues<\/b><\/p>\n Any <\/span><\/i>kind of digital communication can be problematic because we are stripped of the ability to use our \u201c<\/span>mirror neurons<\/span><\/a>\u201d to assess both the verbal and non-verbal cues during a conversation. The more complex the dynamics of the conversation, the worse off we are: studies show that <\/span>sarcasm, in particular, is very hard to detect outside of the in-person setting<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Hiding behind the screen<\/b><\/p>\n Digital spaces are particularly conducive to negative behavior because of the ease with which we can either remain anonymous or simply leave the space at any moment, without much repercussion.<\/span><\/p>\n Still-developing teen brains<\/b><\/p>\n Another factor is young people\u2019s developing brains; this is especially true for the generation of digital natives, and in particular those who are heavier device users. It requires empathy and certain levels of emotional maturity to be sensitive to and respectful of others\u2019 emotional needs, and this requires <\/span>lots <\/span><\/i>of face-to-face practice.<\/span><\/p>\n Group pressure<\/b><\/p>\n Online group settings that feel private and have a limited number of participants – unlike the vast realms of social media platforms, for example – bring out certain kinds of social behaviors. They can encourage the formation of sub-groups, the development of the us-vs-them mentality, they make targeting individuals quite easy, and they provide an attentive audience for those who feel the need to assert their power and dominance amongst their peers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Exclusion<\/b><\/p>\n In addition to the different kinds of bullying behaviors young people may experience once they are inside the group chat, there is another important kind that mustn\u2019t be overlooked: being <\/span>left out<\/b> of a group chat. Parents and those who work with children need to be aware of this because in some cases, the experience of being excluded or rejected can actually emotionally hurt <\/span>more <\/b>than being faced with verbal violence.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n These signs will typically evolve over time, and while some children may respond with more externalizing behaviors, others will respond with more internalizing ones. Keep an eye out for the following changes in mood and behavior:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This difference can be incredibly hard to decipher, because it requires a certain amount of social and emotional intelligence. In real life, we can read another person\u2019s body language and understand the implications behind their tone of voice, but online and in group chats, it\u2019s much harder to interpret meaning.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There are a few important aspects of banter:<\/span><\/p>\n We can think of a behavior as bullying if it is meant to <\/span>embarrass, offend, or hurt someone\u2019s reputation.<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2026\/04\/07134123\/2026-02-Blog-A-parents-guide-to-group-chats_Inside-Image.png” alt=”Three teenage girls using smartphones ” title_text=”2026-02-%91Blog%93-A-parents-guide-to-group-chats_Inside-Image” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Bullying isn\u2019t the only danger to kids and teens when using group chats; they could also be exposed to these concerns:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The first step is making the decision around your <\/span>child\u2019s tech-readiness <\/b>when it comes to this particular form of online behavior; their biological age is a relevant factor, but even more important are their personality, maturity level, and any special circumstances, such as learning differences or elements of neurodivergence.<\/span><\/p>\n Taken together, these will give you a good sense of whether your child is ready to socialize in the unique environment of a group chat. <\/span>And this may mean that even if you have an 11 or 12-year-old who owns a phone, they may still not be ready for this type of communication<\/b> – not yet.<\/span><\/p>\n If you think your child is ready to use communication apps and group chats, consider these safety tips:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\nWhy can group chats enable bullying?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Signs a child or teen might be being bullied in group chats<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What\u2019s the difference between banter and bullying?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What are some other risks of group chats?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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How can I help my child stay safe on messaging apps?<\/strong><\/h2>\n