Facts You Need to Know About Cyberbullying

11 Facts You Need to Know About Cyberbullying
Image by Freepik
Table of Contents Hide
  1. Cyberbullying Facts 
    1. #1. One-Third or More of Secondary School and High School Pupils Have Experienced Cyberbullying, According to Surveys.
    2. #2. Cyberbullying Is Most Common on Social Media.
    3. #3. Almost One-Third of Students Confess to Being Rude
    4. #4. Cyberbullying Is Most Prevalent Against Girls
    5. #5. Many People Who See Bullying Behavior Online Do Little to Stop It
    6. #6. The Use of Mobile Devices Leads to More Cyberbullying
    7. #7. Cyberbullying Is Often Performed Via Online Games  
    8. #8. There is a 50%+ Increase in the Number of LGBTQ+ Students
    9. #9. The Likelihood of Experiencing Anxiety, Depression, and Even Suicide Is Raised by Bullying
    10. #10. Cyberbullying Can Be Stopped With the Help of Parents, Teachers, Administrators, and Students
    11. Examples of Cyberbullying
  2. Cyberbullying Facts and Statistics 
    1. General Cyberbullying Facts And Statistics
    2. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, Almost One-Quarter of All Adolescents in Secondary Schools Have Experienced Cyberbullying in the Preceding Month.
    3. According to the Pew Research Center, 41% Of All Adults in the United States Have Been the Target of Online Abuse.
    4. According to the Anti-Defamation League, Facebook Was the Platform Used by 3 Out of 4 Cyberbullying Victims.
    5. Ipsos Found That One in Four Respondents Worldwide Were Unable to Define Cyberbullying.
    6. According to the Trevor Project, One in Four LGBTQ High School Students Who Have Been Bullied Has Attempted Suicide in the Past Year.
    7. Of Young Adults in the United States (18-29), 64% Had Been the Target of Cyberbullying, According to a Pew Research Center Survey.
  3. How to Stop Cyberbullying Facts 
    1. #1. Say Stop to Them!
    2. #2. Ignore the Bully.
    3. #3. Make Duplicates of Every Correspondence With the Bully.
    4. #4.  Block the Bully 
    5. #5. Tell the Authorities About the Bully.
  4. How Many Kids Are Depressed Because of Cyberbullying? 
  5. Do 37% Of Kids Associate Depression With Online Bullying? 
  6. How Much Does Cyberbullying Affect Mental Health? 
  7. Is Bullying a Risk Factor for Depression?
  8. Related Articles
  9. Reference 

Cyberbullying is something that takes some mental effort to fully grasp. This is a form of bullying that takes place on electronic platforms such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets. Negative, damaging, or fabricated information about another person sent via electronic means is considered cyberbullying. Here are some cyberbullying facts and statistics you need to know, including how to stop it and things to keep in mind concerning cyberbullying facts that could help you stop, protect your child, or intervene if they are victims.

Cyberbullying Facts 

As more and more young people spend most of their time online, cyberbullying has reached new heights. It has almost become a rite of passage. Teenagers typically fall into one of two categories: perpetrators or victims. Cyberbullying has been recognized as a serious issue just recently. Unfortunately, opinions remain divided as to whether or not this constitutes bullying. Looking at the facts and statistics, one can draw their own conclusions. Cyberbullying is a serious global issue that impacts far too many people of all ages. The following are facts one needs to know about cyberbullying:

#1. One-Third or More of Secondary School and High School Pupils Have Experienced Cyberbullying, According to Surveys.

The Cyberbullying Research Center estimates that 27 percent of teens and 15 percent of tweens have been cyberbullied at some point, based on surveys of more than 25,000 students conducted since 2002.

Cyberbullying can take various forms, all of which are detrimental. Harassment, the distribution of naked images, the promotion of self-injury or suicide, and the fabrication of accusations that another person has reported troublemakers to authorities are all examples of this.  The victim of jealous cyberbullying might, for instance, be harassed because she has a relationship with a popular boy.

Posting racial or religious slurs is another form of cyberbullying that has been documented. Cyberbullying can sometimes take the form of “doxing,” in which the bully publicly discloses private information about the victim, such as his or her address, phone number, or Social Security number.

#2. Cyberbullying Is Most Common on Social Media.

Today’s youth spend a significant amount of time online, making social media sites prime targets for bullying and other sorts of negative conduct. Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook usage monitoring can help lessen the danger.

#3. Almost One-Third of Students Confess to Being Rude

The anonymity of the Internet makes it too easy for people to pick on others and indulge in bullying behavior. Joining in with agitators because you want to fit in is a common cause of this.

#4. Cyberbullying Is Most Prevalent Against Girls

Cyberbullying is a serious problem that disproportionately impacts young women and girls who are victims of stereotypical “mean girl” conduct. Girls need support in developing their confidence, speaking up for themselves, and building supportive networks.

#5. Many People Who See Bullying Behavior Online Do Little to Stop It

While others join in. Few victims or witnesses of cyberbullying report it to adults like parents, teachers, or even site administrators.

#6. The Use of Mobile Devices Leads to More Cyberbullying

Bullying is a serious problem in today’s most popular chat applications and interactive games, and it’s getting worse as more and more kids have their own phones before they are 10. More young people suffer since it is easier for them to gain and keep access.

#7. Cyberbullying Is Often Performed Via Online Games  

Games in general have a certain amount of “trash talking,” but more games are linked to groups that are ripe with cyberbullying. This leads to exclusion, direct violent attacks, and ruin of the victim’s ability to enjoy their favorite activity or pastime.

#8. There is a 50%+ Increase in the Number of LGBTQ+ Students

Being a part of the LGBTQ community greatly raises the risk of cyberbullying, which is already significantly elevated due to characteristics such as race and socioeconomic status. Despite positive changes in attitudes, a disproportionate number of young individuals are still targets of harassment and forced outings.

#9. The Likelihood of Experiencing Anxiety, Depression, and Even Suicide Is Raised by Bullying

Ninety-three percent of cyberbullying victims in one study said they felt helpless, depressed, and unable to change the situation. Many people also experience negative emotions such as rage, shame, guilt, and terror. Some people think cyberbullying is more stressful than regular bullying since the bully remains anonymous in as many as half the cases. 

Those who are bullied online are nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide as their peers who do not participate in cyberbullying. Those who engage in cyberbullying put themselves in danger at a rate of 1.5 times that of those who don’t.

#10. Cyberbullying Can Be Stopped With the Help of Parents, Teachers, Administrators, and Students

If we are to stem the rising tide of cyberbullying, everyone must do their part to make things better. It is also important for online communities like social media sites, video game portals, and messaging applications to include stringent anti-bullying measures.

Examples of Cyberbullying

With its association with social media and the internet at large, cyberbullying can be hard to identify. Even more worryingly, certain incidences of cyberbullying can evolve into greater criminal activities very quickly. So that you can be ready for the future, we have provided a list of some of the most common forms of cyberbullying.

#1. Physical Harassment:

The use of chat rooms to gang up on someone online; the publication of hateful, racist, or insulting material on the public areas of the victim’s social media profiles; and the use of chat rooms to gang up on someone online all fall under this category of cyberbullying.

#2. False Identities and Forgeries:

For example, “catfishing” refers to the practice of luring a victim into a romantic relationship with the help of a fake online profile, and “cloning” refers to the practice of creating an exact copy (email, phone number, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) of the victim’s own account and posting offensive or unwanted content online with the fake accounts.

#3. Theft of Information and Unauthorized Disclosure:

Posting publicly (on social media) or sharing between other people, without consent, explicit or sexual images or videos of a person; taking nude, explicit, or degrading photos of a person without their informed consent; the recording or sharing of videos or images that depict the physical bullying of the victim; spreading rumors or information designed to denigrate someone; sharing personal information or explicit images or videos of someone on another website online.

Cyberbullying Facts and Statistics 

How severe is cyberbullying in the year 2024? Check out these facts and statistics on cyberbullying to learn more. 

  • Of young adults in the United States (18–29), 64 percent have been the target of cyberbullying.
  • Victims of cyberbullying in middle school are nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide as nonvictims.
  • Almost half of all adults in the United States have been the target of cyberbullying.
  • The percentage of Americans receiving violent threats and sexual abuse online has increased since 2014.
  • Facebook was the medium of choice for 75% of cyberbullying victims.

Are you ready for the remaining cyberbullying facts and statistics?

General Cyberbullying Facts And Statistics

Cyberbullying is universally recognized as a serious issue that requires action. In certain regions of the world, however, cyberbullying awareness is surprisingly low. These are the most experienced and popular facts and statistics about cyberbullying.

According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, Almost One-Quarter of All Adolescents in Secondary Schools Have Experienced Cyberbullying in the Preceding Month.

More than three times as many pupils as there were in 2007 now say they have been cyberbullied. Students in grades 7–12 report experiencing cyberbullying at least once in their lives at a rate of 45.5%.

According to the Pew Research Center, 41% Of All Adults in the United States Have Been the Target of Online Abuse.

Among adults, 31% said they had been called insulting names, and 26% said they had been intentionally embarrassed. Physical threats (14%), stalking (11%), and other forms of extreme intimidation are also common.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, Facebook Was the Platform Used by 3 Out of 4 Cyberbullying Victims.

Facebook is the most popular social media site for cyberbullying. In contrast, research suggests that only around a quarter of cyberbullying victims really experience harassment on social media sites like Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or Snapchat.

Ipsos Found That One in Four Respondents Worldwide Were Unable to Define Cyberbullying.

The results of a survey conducted by Ipsos among over 20,000 people in 28 countries provide new insights into the prevalence of cyberbullying. Twenty-five percent of those asked had never heard of cyberbullying. Sixty-three percent of Saudi Arabians said they had never seen, read, or heard anything about cyberbullying, making them the least informed nation.

According to the Trevor Project, One in Four LGBTQ High School Students Who Have Been Bullied Has Attempted Suicide in the Past Year.

The situation is considerably worse for LGBTQ middle schoolers; 29% of those who have tried suicide in middle school cite bullying as a contributing factor. Rates of attempted suicide were 10% among non-bullied high school students and 12% among non-bullied middle school students.

Of Young Adults in the United States (18-29), 64% Had Been the Target of Cyberbullying, According to a Pew Research Center Survey.

Only adults between the ages of 18 and 29 in the United States are more likely to have been the target of cyberbullying. Rates of cyberbullying decrease with age across all groups. 49% of 30-49-year-olds, 30% of 50-64-year-olds, and 21% of individuals 65 or older have been cyberbullied.

How to Stop Cyberbullying Facts 

To know how to stop cyberbullying just like you would to stop physical bullying, you can take steps (either as an adult or a kid)

#1. Say Stop to Them!

Although a written note to the bully requesting they refrain from additional bullying attempts is unlikely to deter the bully, it can be useful evidence in court.

#2. Ignore the Bully.

Cyberbullies, like traditional bullies, feed off the anxiety and anger their victims express in response to their behavior. Although their boredom with you and your lack of response may not put an end to the bullying entirely, it is possible.

#3. Make Duplicates of Every Correspondence With the Bully.

If you want to file a complaint with the police about a bully, you’ll need evidence. Make copies of the communications, print them out, make screenshots, etc. In case your computer or phone ever stops working, you should always have a physical copy on hand. this is a very important step to follow if you want to stop cyberbullying.

#4.  Block the Bully 

Another way to stop cyberbullying is to get rid of their number and other contact details from your electronic devices. They can’t disturb or abuse you if they can’t reach you.

#5. Tell the Authorities About the Bully.

The vast majority of bullied teens never inform their parents about their experiences. So, if your child’s losing sleep, doesn’t want to go to school, or seems angry when on their computer or phone, ask why as calmly and open-heartedly as possible. If you’re wondering if this has anything to do with bullying or other social issues, feel free to ask. But even if it does, you shouldn’t automatically label it as bullying. You won’t have the whole picture until you hear it from your kid first.

Although cyberbullying will likely continue indefinitely, it doesn’t mean you or your loved ones have to take it lying down. Stand up for yourself, defend those who abuse you, and change the world one bully at a time. That way, you can stop cyberbullying.

How Many Kids Are Depressed Because of Cyberbullying? 

Ybarra and Mitchell (2004) found that 39% of cyberbullies dropped out of school, 37% exhibited delinquent behavior, 32% engaged in frequent substance abuse, and 16% were severely depressed, compared to 21% of non-buyers.

Do 37% Of Kids Associate Depression With Online Bullying? 

Depression is linked to cyberbullying by 37% of young people. Nineteen percent of cyberbullied adolescents report feeling worse about themselves as a result of the incident.

How Much Does Cyberbullying Affect Mental Health? 

Mental health problems, elevated stress and anxiety, sadness, erratic and violent behavior, and low self-esteem are all outcomes of cyberbullying. The emotional toll of cyberbullying can linger long after the harassment ends.

Is Bullying a Risk Factor for Depression?

This meta-analysis demonstrates that there is a strong association between depression and bullying, being bullied, and bullying-bullied behavior among children and adolescents. All three of these can increase the likelihood of developing depression.

Reference 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like