How to Help Tween and Teen Girls Cope with Bullying
Bullying has changed a lot over the past decade. It no longer stops at the classroom door; texts, group chats, and social media can make it feel like there’s no escape. For tween and teen girls, being bullied can deeply impact self-esteem, friendships, and emotional health.
As therapists who work closely with children and adolescents, we often hear parents say, “I had no idea how bad it had gotten,” or “She used to be so confident, what happened?” The truth is, bullying today can be subtle, isolating, and relentless. But there are ways to help your child heal, rebuild confidence, and feel connected again.
Recognizing the Signs That Your Tween or Teen Is Being Bullied
Not all kids will tell you when they’re being bullied. Many feel embarrassed, scared of making things worse, or unsure if what they’re experiencing “counts.”
Here are some common signs:
Avoiding school, sports, or social events they once enjoyed
Suddenly changing friend groups or eating lunch alone
Spending more time on their phone but seeming upset afterward
Withdrawing, crying easily, or showing irritability at home
Drop in grades or difficulty focusing
Saying things like “no one likes me” or “I don’t fit in”
If you notice a combination of these, it’s important to start a gentle conversation. Avoid jumping straight to solutions; instead, listen, validate their feelings, and reassure them that what’s happening isn’t their fault.
Why Bullying Hits Tween and Teen Girls So Hard
Tween and teen girls are navigating intense developmental changes. Their brains are wired for connection and belonging, which makes exclusion and peer conflict especially painful.
At this age, friendships can feel like everything. When those relationships become unsafe or unpredictable, it can lead to anxiety, shame, and even depression. Social media amplifies this, turning everyday insecurities into public comparisons.
Many girls start to believe that something is wrong with them, rather than recognizing the toxic behavior of others. That’s where therapy—and especially group therapy—can make a huge difference.
How Therapy Helps Tween and Teen Girls Cope with Bullying
Therapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk about painful experiences, learn coping skills, and build emotional resilience.
In individual therapy, girls can:
Learn how to set healthy boundaries and speak up for themselves
Identify unhelpful thought patterns that feed anxiety or self-doubt
Rebuild confidence and a stronger sense of self
Develop strategies for handling social pressure and online stress
Group therapy offers something equally powerful: connection. When girls realize they’re not alone, the shame that often follows bullying begins to lift.
How Parents Can Support a Child Who’s Being Bullied
While professional support can be invaluable, parents play a key role too.
Here are a few steps you can take:
Validate their experience. Avoid minimizing the situation or rushing to fix it.
Keep communication open. Let them know they can come to you anytime, even if you can’t make it all better immediately.
Monitor social media gently. Stay informed without invading their privacy.
Model calm problem-solving. Kids learn from how you handle conflict and stress.
Connect them to support. Whether it’s therapy, a trusted school counselor, or a social skills group, outside help can make a huge difference.
Helping Girls Feel Stronger Together
Healing from bullying isn’t just about stopping the negative behavior—it’s about rebuilding confidence, community, and emotional safety.
If your tween or teen has been struggling with friendship drama, anxiety, or low self-esteem, group therapy can offer a space to learn, connect, and grow. At Collaborative Minds Psychotherapy, we offer therapy groups for girls ages 9-18. Schedule a free 15-minute call with our intake coordinator to learn more about these offerings and to see if your child may be a good fit!
