By Dionisia Tzamalouka, Psychologist at The Smile of the Child
Cyberbullying is an increasing problem that significantly affects the lives of young people worldwide. According to a recent study by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one in six school-aged children has experienced cyberbullying, marking an increase compared to previous years (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024).
Statistical Data by Gender
The same WHO study reports that 15% of boys and 16% of girls have been victims of cyberbullying, showing an increase from 12% and 13% in 2018, respectively. Additionally, 14% of boys and 9% of girls admit to having bullied others online, also an increase from 11% and 7% in 2018 (WHO, 2024).
Another study examining cyberbullying prevalence in eight European countries found that boys were more likely to engage in various forms of cyberbullying, such as “flaming” (posting inflammatory messages) and “denigration” (spreading false or malicious information about someone). Girls, on the other hand, were more likely to engage in “exclusion” (deliberately excluding someone from an online group) and “harassment” (repeatedly sending offensive messages) (Kowalski et al., 2020).
Cyberbullying on Social Media and Gaming Platforms
Social media and online gaming platforms are increasingly becoming a breeding ground for cyberbullying. According to a recent Eurostat report, nearly 12% of young people aged 16 to 29 reported being bullied or harassed on social media platforms, with Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter being the most commonly used sites for this behavior (Eurostat, 2023). Social media platforms have made it easier for perpetrators to target victims anonymously and frequently, leading to an increase in both bullying and harassment behaviors.
Gaming platforms also pose significant challenges for online safety. A study by Kowalski et al. (2020) revealed that online gaming environments are increasingly used as platforms for bullying, with one in four gamers experiencing cyberbullying while playing. Common forms of gaming-related cyberbullying include verbal abuse, threats, and exclusion from gaming groups or events. Additionally, boys were found to be more likely to both experience and engage in bullying within these environments.
Conclusion
Cyberbullying remains a growing concern that significantly impacts the well-being of young people worldwide. Research indicates that while boys are more likely to engage in direct forms of bullying, such as aggressive comments and spreading false information, girls tend to engage more in relational forms of bullying, like excluding others or sending offensive messages repeatedly. These gender differences suggest the need for distinct approaches in prevention and intervention strategies.
The rise of social media and online gaming has created new environments for cyberbullying, where young people face harassment and abuse. Social media platforms and gaming environments are often used for targeting victims in anonymous ways, making it harder to identify and address the behavior. These trends emphasize the importance of developing targeted prevention programs that address the specific dynamics of online interactions.
Additionally, more research focusing on family background and cultural factors could offer insights into how different groups experience and respond to cyberbullying, leading to more tailored support and interventions.
References:
Eurostat. (2023). Eurostat News: Digital Economy and Society Statistics [ddn-20230714-1]. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20230714-1
Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2020). Epidemiology of cyberbullying across Europe: Differences between countries and genders. Journal of School Violence, 19(3), 217-231. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332762265_Epidemiology_of_Cyberbullying_across_Europe_Differences_between_Countries_and_Genders
World Health Organization. (2024). One in six school-aged children experiences cyberbullying, finds new WHO Europe study. https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/27-03-2024-one-in-six-school-aged-children-experiences-cyberbullying–finds-new-who-europe-study
Leave a Reply