Cyberbullying Is Real and CVMA Just Dropped a Lifeline
Veterinary medicine has always been emotionally demanding, but the digital age has added a new layer of stress that many teams never trained for. Online reviews that spiral out of control, hostile social media comments and personal attacks aimed at veterinarians or staff are becoming an everyday reality. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is stepping in with a practical and timely solution designed to help members protect both their reputations and their mental wellbeing.
A Growing Problem in a Hyperconnected World
Cyberbullying is no longer rare or limited to a few bad online reviews. A 2023 survey from the American Veterinary Medical Association found that forty percent of respondents said they or someone they work with had been a victim of cyberbullying in the workplace. Even more concerning, cyberbullying targeting companion animal veterinarians has increased by nearly twenty percent since 2014. For millennial veterinarians who grew up online and often manage practice social media alongside clinical duties, the line between personal and professional attacks can feel especially thin. What starts as a frustrated client post can quickly escalate into a reputational crisis that affects staff morale, recruitment and even mental health.
To address this growing issue, the CVMA is offering members a cyberbullying and crisis communication management hotline. Members receive thirty minutes of free consultation and advice from experienced crisis management professionals. The hotline is available twenty four seven for CVMA members at 800 643 9380. Calls are handled by experts from Bernstein Crisis Management who specialize in guiding organizations through public facing crises, online harassment and reputation threats.
This service is designed to help veterinarians respond strategically rather than emotionally. Whether you are dealing with a viral post, coordinated harassment or a single comment that feels overwhelming, having expert guidance in real time can prevent a bad situation from getting worse.
Support That Goes Beyond Damage Control
The CVMA recognizes that cyberbullying is not just a communications issue. It is also a mental health issue. Alongside the hotline, the association offers anonymous peer support through its Togetherall platform. This resource provides veterinarians and students with a confidential space to connect with colleagues and licensed mental health professionals around the clock. CVMA has also created a response flow chart to help members think through next steps when cyberbullying occurs. Having a clear plan can reduce panic and help teams act with confidence when emotions are running high. Veterinary professionals are not alone in facing this challenge. The American Animal Hospital Association also offers tools to help practices protect their teams. Their course Cyberbullying in Practice How Veterinary Teams Protect Minds and Mission is available through the AAHA learning management system and focuses on proactive strategies for prevention and response.
Burnout is already a serious concern in veterinary medicine. Cyberbullying adds a layer of stress that can follow clinicians home long after the workday ends. By offering immediate expert advice and confidential peer support, the CVMA is acknowledging that modern veterinary practice requires modern solutions. For millennial veterinarians who value transparency, community and mental wellbeing, these resources send a clear message. You do not have to handle online harassment alone and asking for help is a sign of professionalism, not weakness.
