Around 38% of people experience cyberbullying on social media platforms daily. It is now the number one concern for school teachers, with 25% of students who experience cyberbullying turning to self-harm as a coping mechanism. In our modern digital age, charities are working hard to reduce instances of online bullying and offer support to affected individuals. So we had to ask: What are the best charities combating cyberbullying?

The best charities that help combat cyberbullying are STOMP Out Bullying and The CyberSmile Foundation. Charities such as The Megan Meier Foundation and the Child Mind Institute offer counseling services for vulnerable youth affected by cyberbullying.

Whether you want to ensure that teachers, students, and parents are educated on the effects of cyberbullying, make sure all students affected by cyberbullying have access to support, or raise awareness of cyberbullying on a global scale, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities combating cyberbullying are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Help Combat Cyberbullying Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, impact, and transparency ratings, and achievements. They operate all over the world, from North America to the UK, providing vital support and education to people affected by cyberbullying. 

Many of the charities on this list focus their attention on incorporating cyberbullying and online abuse into school curricula to raise awareness. Others focus their efforts on offering free or low-cost counseling services to students in need of mental health support. Furthermore, many of these charities run global campaigns and offer free online resources to parents and educators to help them identify the signs and symptoms of cyberbullying. Yet, they all share the same goal; to combat cyberbullying and empower students to take a stand against online abuse. 

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Help Combat Cyberbullying in 2023

Below are our favorite charities combating cyberbullying:

• STOMP Out Bullying
• The CyberSmile Foundation
• Ditch the Label
• Monique Burr Foundation For Children
• Megan Meier Foundation
• #ICANHELP
• Organization For Social Media Safety
• Child Mind Institute
• American SPCC

(At the end of this article we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

STOMP Out Bullying: End the Hate. Change the Culture

STOMP Out Bullying was founded in 2005 by Ross Ellis to empower all youths to stand up to bullying. Today, the charity is the leading national non-profit dedicated to changing the culture for all students across America by preventing bullying, cyberbullying, and digital abuse. 

Their impact and transparency ratings: STOMP Out Bullying has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. The charity also has a Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Standing up against hate, racism, and discrimination. Changing the culture with diversity, equity, equality, inclusion, civility, and unity becomes our destiny.”

STOMP Out Bullying

What they do: STOMP Out Bullying deters violence in schools and online, and educates against LGBTQ+ discrimination through peer mentoring programs, social media campaigns, and service announcements by influential celebrities. For example, they launched the World Day of Bullying Prevention (7th October annually) to raise awareness of discrimination bullying and to promote kindness. In addition, they run a free and confidential Live HelpChat Crisis Line for 13-24 year olds to discuss issues surrounding bullying and cyberbullying. They also provide support to youth who may be at risk of suicide. 

What they’ve achieved: Today, STOMP Out Bullying is recognized as the most influential anti-bullying and cyberbullying organization in America and further afield. Since their founding, the charity has empowered over 5 million victims of bullying and cyberbullying. Furthermore, they have saved more than 6,000 lives through their HelpChat Line. For example, in 2019, their Culture Shock event sparked a dialogue amongst over 300,000 young people on the negative impact of racism and homophobia. In addition, they made over 400,000 impressions across the US through their award-winning public service announcements with celebrities and youth influencers to combat cyberbullying. 

Ways to contribute: You can donate directly to STOMP Out Bullying through their website. You can also support the charity by becoming a Youth Leader or by shopping for their merchandise. 

The CyberSmile Foundation: Committed to Digital Wellbeing

The CyberSmile Foundation was founded in 2010 by Dan Raisbeck and Scott Freeman to tackle all forms of abuse and bullying online. Today, the charity is one of the world’s leading anti-cyberbullying and digital well-being non-profit organizations. 

Their impact and transparency ratings: According to their financial report, The CyberSmile Foundation spent 91.7% of their income on charitable activities and 1.2% on fundraising. 

“We believe that everybody should have equal rights to access and enjoy our connected world.”

The CyberSmile Foundation

What they do: The CyberSmile Foundation tackles all forms of online abuse and cyberbullying through education, research, and awareness campaigns. For example, through their CyberSmile Education Program, they provide comprehensive free-to-download lesson plans suitable for kids from 5 to over 16s that cover topics such as Dealing with Online Bullying and Beauty Cyberbullying. In addition, the charity offers tailored support to people affected by cyberbullying through their Help Center and via their innovative CyberSmile Assistant app. 

What they’ve achieved: Since their founding, The CyberSmile Foundation has remained dedicated to supporting people from all walks of life who have been affected by cyberbullying. For example, in 2020, the charity reached over 1.3 million people through their social media channels and AI support services. In the same year, they also teamed up with Instagram and Cosmopolitan to launch The Positivity Index, which is a network of 25 game-changing bloggers, activists, and influencers working to empower people to stand against cyberbullying and abuse on social media.

Ways to contribute: You can donate directly to The CyberSmile Foundation through their website. You can also support the charity by purchasing items from their online store or by fundraising.

Ditch the Label: The Global Youth Charity

Ditch the Label was founded in 2012 by Liam Hackett to build a society free from bullying after he expressed his own experiences of being bullied online. Today, the charity is one of the largest non-profit youth organizations in the world, providing help and support to young adults affected by sex, identity, mental health issues, and cyberbullying. 

Their impact and transparency ratings: According to their financial report, Ditch the Label spent 98% of their expenditure on charitable activities and 1.4% on fundraising. 

“Here to help young people aged 12-25 navigate the issues affecting them the most; from mental health and bullying to identity and relationships.”

Ditch the Label

What they do: Ditch the Label provides digital safe spaces and direct mentor support to young people suffering from a wide range of problems including mental health issues and all forms of bullying. They also provide a comprehensive library of online self-help resources as well as a Delete Online Abuse tool for users to report harmful social media content. In addition, the charity analyzes global youth-related trends and attitudes, including topics such as in-game abuse, to establish campaigns that positively influence societal behavior, both online and within communities. 

What they’ve achieved: To date, Ditch the Label has educated over 90 million people on important youth-related topics, including cyberbullying, through their awareness videos. Moreover, in 2013, the charity collaborated with Habbo, the largest online teenager community, to provide digital in-support gaming to over 180,000 young people. Furthermore, they launched their Cyberbullying Survey, which is internationally recognized as the benchmark study into cyberbullying rates and behaviors. For example, in 2019, Ditch the Label supported more than 3.4 million young people through their support resources. 

Ways to contribute: You can donate directly to Ditch the Label through their website. You can also support the charity by volunteering or by purchasing merchandise from their online store. 

Monique Burr Foundation For Children: Every Child Deserves to be Safe

The Monique Burr Foundation For Children was founded in 1997 by Edward E. Burr to continue his late wife’s legacy of child protection and child advocacy. Today, the charity is a leader in prevention education to help children recognize and respond to various types of child abuse, including cyberbullying. 

Their impact and transparency ratings: The Monique Burr Foundation For Children has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To protect children from bullying, digital dangers, abuse, and exploitation with comprehensive evidence-based, prevention education programs.”

Monique Burr Foundation For Children

What they do: The Monique Burr Foundation For Children uses evidence-based prevention education programs to protect children from all forms of bullying, including cyberbullying. For example, they developed their Teen Safety Matters Program alongside US schools to empower teenagers to learn how to deal with digital dangers and exploitation through interactive powerpoints, skills-practice activities, and group discussions. They also run programs for kindergarten children as well as young athletes. Moreover, their free Child Safety Matters app provides parents, teachers, and caregivers with the resources they need to prevent, recognize, and respond to abuse, including helplines and interactive games for children. 

What they’ve achieved: Since their founding, the Monique Burr Foundation For Children has reached over 8 million children and teenagers across 35 states and 5 countries with their prevention education programs. Furthermore, they have trained over 5,000 facilitators to educate school-age children on the types of victimization they may experience, including cyberbullying. For example, alongside several like-minded charities, the Monique Burr Foundation For Children launched the first-ever prevention curriculum for students with mental and developmental disabilities. Furthermore, in 2016, they launched a range of online courses to help parents and professionals to understand mandatory abuse reporting and protect children from online dangers in Florida. 

Ways to contribute: You can donate directly to the Monique Burr Foundation For Children through their website. You can also support the charity by purchasing items from their online shop.

Megan Meier Foundation: Change Starts With Me

The Megan Meier Foundation was founded in 2007 by Tina Meier to stop cyberbullying after her daughter, Megan, committed suicide following a cruel cyberbullying hoax by a neighbor. Today, the charity is a global organization dedicated to the prevention of bullying and cyberbullying.

Their impact and transparency ratings: The Megan Meier Foundation has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. According to their financial report, the charity spent 83.4% of their expenditure on their charitable programs and 9.8% on fundraising.

“We work to create a world where bullying and cyberbullying no longer exist.”

Megan Meier Foundation

What they do: The Megan Meier Foundation runs an online resource center with comprehensive information on the signs and effects of bullying, cyberbullying, and self-harm. They also offer free mental health counseling services with a licensed therapist for youth under 19 years of age suffering from a range of issues including depression and bullying-related trauma. In addition, the charity offers a variety of educational presentations and videos that can be customized to the needs of particular schools and organizations, on bullying, digital footprints, sexting, empathy, and suicide prevention. 

What they’ve achieved: Since their inception, the Megan Meier Foundation has remained committed to ending bullying, cyberbullying, and suicide among teenagers. For example, in 2021, the charity reached 31,385 students, parents, and educators through their prevention and intervention programs. In the same year, they provided individualized counseling to 59 young people and their families through 560 clinic sessions, with 100% of their clients showing physical, social, or psychological improvements. In addition, their educational presentations reached 20,618 young people, with 83% of attendees stating that they could better identify and empathize with victims of cyberbullying after completing the workshop. 

Ways to contribute: You can donate directly to the Megan Meier Foundation through their website. You can also support the charity by volunteering or by purchasing merchandise from their online shop.

#ICANHELP: Lead. Educate. Engage

#ICANHELP was founded in 2013 by Kim Karr and Matt Soeth to improve online safety after an incident on social media targeted a school teacher. Today, the charity empowers students and educators around the world to use their Digital4Good programs to combat cyberbullying and online abuse. 

Their impact and transparency ratings: #ICANHELP has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“We are agents of change committed to creating awareness of digital safety and the digital wellness of students and educators.”

#ICANHELP

What they do: #ICANHELP tackles cyberbullying and other forms of online abuse by educating youth and promoting student leadership. For example, they offer free courses on digital wellness that empower students to delete negativity online and learn about the connection between technology use, mental health, and education. Furthermore, through their student volunteer and internship programs, the charity equips students with the resources they need to create campaigns and clubs on individual campuses and online to create more inclusive environments. Their seasonal internships also offer work experience for students in a range of interests from graphic design to social media.

What they’ve achieved: Since their founding, #ICANHELP has empowered students across 27 states and 9 countries through their internship programs to become positive digital changemakers. Today, the charity has over 150 active volunteers, 60 support specialists, and 40 annual and seasonal interns working to improve digital wellness and online inclusivity. These volunteers are the first line of defense against cyberbullying attacks on a global scale. 

Ways to contribute: You can donate directly to #ICANHELP through their website. You can also support the charity by becoming a Mentor or an Event Sponsor. 

Organization For Social Media Safety: Making Social Media Safe

The Organization For Social Media Safety was founded in 2016 by Ed Peisner to end bullying after his son was viciously assaulted by another teenager. The ordeal was filmed and put up on social media. Today, the charity is exclusively focused on making social media safe for everyone, including combating cyberbullying.

Their impact and transparency ratings: The Organization For Social Media has a Bronze Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“We protect against all social media-related dangers, including cyberbullying, hate speech, sexual harassment, propaganda, and depression/suicide.”

Organization For Social Media Safety

What they do: The Organization For Social Media Safety protects the public against all social-media-related dangers including cyberbullying, hate speech, and sexual harassment. They do this by offering social media safety presentations to students from 5th to 12th grade, as well as parents and school administrators across the US. They also offer in-person or phone consultations to parents that are concerned their children are spending too much time on social media or for advice on social media restrictions. Furthermore, they develop and consult on applications and software to provide real-time protection against social media-related dangers.  

What they’ve achieved: Since their founding, the Organization For Social Media Safety has educated thousands of parents and students across the US on essential social media safety skills. Furthermore, in 2017, they worked closely with the California Legislature to pass the nation’s first law, Jordan’s Law, to deter social media motivated violence. The law states that anyone who films a violent felony or conspires with an attacker to film a violent crime will receive an enhanced prison sentence. In addition, in 2021, the charity launched their free online Buckling the Social Media Seatbelt Super Course, which is a first-of-its-kind safety course designed for parents of teenagers that are just starting out on social media. 

Ways to contribute: You can donate directly to the Organization For Social Media through their website. You can also support the charity by fundraising or by sharing your story.

Child Mind Institute: Transforming Children’s Mental Health

The Child Mind Institute was founded in 2009 by Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz, Brooke Garber Neidich, and Debra Perelman to offer evidence-based care to children and teenagers suffering from mental health problems. Today, the charity is dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable children and families, including those affected by cyberbullying. 

Their impact and transparency ratings: The Child Mind Institute has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Transforming children’s lives.”

Child Mind Institute

What they do: The Child Mind Institute offers individualized evidence-based care to children and families struggling with mental health issues, caused by learning difficulties and all forms of bullying. In addition, their science and engineering team conducts research studies to better understand the developing brain. They also develop analytical and neuroimaging tools to strengthen the science behind mental health issues. Moreover, they publish helpful educational articles and blogs on a wide range of issues affecting children, including cyberbullying. 

What they’ve achieved: Since their founding, the Child Mind Institute has treated over 14,000 children and teenagers with mental health issues across 48 states and 45 countries, including those affected by cyberbullying. Furthermore, over 75% of patients received free or low-cost services. Over the same time period, the charity reached 39,570 students through their workshops and support groups and published 1,289 research articles on mental health issues. In addition, around 2 million parents and educators visit the Child Mind Institute website every month to access credible information on child care and mental health, including issues caused by cyberbullying. 

Ways to contribute: You can donate directly to the Child Mind Institute through their website. You can also support the charity by starting a fundraiser or by shopping for gifts at their online shop.

American SPCC: Creating Positive Childhood Experiences, One Click at a Time

The American SPCC was founded in 2011 by a group of dedicated individuals to prevent child maltreatment and raise awareness of the lifelong impacts of negative childhood experiences, including cyberbullying. Today, the charity provides parents with the resources they need to create safe environments for their children. 

Their impact and transparency ratings: The American SPCC has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Empowering families. Building Brighter Futures.”

American SPCC

What they do: The American SPCC provides comprehensive online information on a range of issues that affect children through their Parenting Resource Center, such as child abuse and cyberbullying. Moreover, the charity offers daily insights, child mental health lessons, and scientifically-backed knowledge for parents through their free Happy Child app. In addition, their Trusted Parenting Network is an online community of parents, therapists, and academic researchers designed to offer unique insights and solutions to modern parenting topics, such as social media use and online bullying, through online presentations and innovative technologies. 

What they’ve achieved: The American SPCC assists over 75,000 parents and children every month through their online education programs. Furthermore, through their Happy Child app, they have helped more than 78% of users to form stronger relationships with their children, allowing them to talk openly about issues that affect them, such as cyberbullying. In addition, in 2021, the American SPCC helped 429,000 people to understand and heal from their childhood traumas. 

Ways to contribute: You can donate directly to the American SPCC through their website. You can also support the charity by joining their Trusted Parent Network. 

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities combating cyberbullying. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

• Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarize yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
• Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
• Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
• Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
• Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
• Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

• Donate money. You can find donation pages on the website of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
• Buy their official merchandise. These charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
• Donate a percentage of your online purchases. If you bought anything on sites like Amazon lately, you’d find a prompt asking you to donate to your favorite charities through their Amazon Smile program. You can set this up so that your chosen charities will get a fraction of your online purchases.
• Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
• Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
• Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to combatting cyberbullying – based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

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