WHO Study Shows 16% of Children Fall Victim to Cyberbullying

In an increasingly digital world, cyberbullying has emerged as a prevalent issue among adolescents, with recent findings from the World Health Organization (WHO) sounding the alarm. 

A study conducted by WHO Europe, covering 44 countries, reports that 16% of children aged 11 to 15 fell victim to cyberbullying in 2022, marking an increase from 13% four years earlier.

The impact of cyberbullying on children

Cyberbullying, the act of using digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or belittle others, has seen a significant rise, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when the virtual world became a primary mode of interaction for many. 

The study, titled “Health Behaviour in School-aged Children,” reveals that 15% of boys and 16% of girls experienced cyberbullying at least once in recent months. The shift to online interactions has made virtual forms of peer violence more relevant and concerning.

The prevalence of cyberbullying varies across regions and genders. The highest levels were reported among boys in Bulgaria, Lithuania, Moldova, and Poland, while the lowest were observed in Spain. 

Interestingly, the study found that the socioeconomic status of parents had little influence on children’s experiences with cyberbullying, with the notable exception of Canada, where less advantaged youths reported higher incidences of bullying.

The call for action

WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge, emphasizes the need for awareness and action to combat this growing issue. He highlights the importance of investing in monitoring different forms of peer violence and educating young people, families, and schools about the implications of cyberbullying. Additionally, there is a pressing need to regulate social media platforms to limit exposure to such harmful behavior.

The rise in cyberbullying is a wake-up call for society to address and prevent violence in the digital age. With adolescents spending up to six hours online every day, even small changes in bullying rates can significantly impact their health and well-being. It’s crucial to foster a safer online environment and equip individuals with the tools and knowledge to combat cyberbullying effectively.