Empowering Update: Lauryn Licari’s Journey After Overcoming Anonymous Cyberbullying by Her Mom

The Netflix documentary “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish” reveals a shocking story about Lauryn Licari. The twist? Her anonymous cyberbully was her own mother, Kendra Licari.

At just 13, Lauryn and her then-boyfriend, Owen McKenny, received strange messages from a number they didn’t recognize. The sender claimed Owen was planning to break up with Lauryn. Confused and hurt, the young couple tried to ignore it. But in September 2021, the harassment resumed, intensifying over time.

Lauryn suspected the culprit was someone close to her, especially since the messages used her nickname, “Lo.” She never guessed it would be her mother. Kendra relentlessly sent cruel texts, even after Lauryn and Owen ended things. The messages included threats and insults, including vile suggestions such as “kill yourself.”

In December 2022, Kendra faced justice. She was arrested and charged with stalking and using a computer to commit a crime. After pleading guilty, she received a sentence of 19 months to 5 years. Kendra was released in August 2024 and will remain under supervision until February 2026.

Despite the pain, Lauryn expressed a desire to mend her relationship with Kendra. “Being without that relationship is really hurting me,” she said. Lauryn hopes to support her mother in getting the help she needs. “I want to trust her now,” Lauryn added, highlighting the complexity of their situation.

So, why did Kendra torment her own daughter? Filmmaker Skye Borgman suggested that Kendra’s past trauma might have been a factor. She experienced an assault around Lauryn’s age, which may have skewed her view of parenting.

Some experts speculate that Kendra’s behavior might relate to Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (FDIA), a condition where someone inflicts harm to gain attention or support. However, Borgman urges caution in labeling Kendra, emphasizing that the psychological background is complicated.

This case touches on broader issues. Cyberbullying affects many teens today. According to a recent report from the Cyberbullying Research Center, nearly 37% of young people between ages 12-17 have experienced cyberbullying. It’s crucial for parents and guardians to be aware of their children’s online interactions and foster open communication.

“Unknown Number: The High School Catfish” is a poignant reminder of the complexities of family dynamics. You can stream it on Netflix to explore this challenging story further.



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