The latest Health Behavior in School Aged Children (HBSC) study, conducted in conjunction with WHO/Europe and released every four years, has found that while traditional school bullying rates have remained steady since 2018, incidents of cyberbullying are on the rise, paralleling the increasing digitalization of young people's interactions.
Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, underscores the significance of this shift, stating, "With young people spending up to 6 hours online every single day, even slight fluctuations in bullying and violence rates can profoundly impact the health and well-being of thousands. Cyberbullying, in its various forms, has demonstrated its capacity to devastate the lives of young individuals and their families. It's imperative that we address this as both a health and human rights concern, stepping up to shield our children from violence and harm, whether offline or online."
The study's findings draw attention to the growing complexity of bullying and violence among youth, with digital technologies playing a pivotal role in shaping these behaviors. Key insights include:
- School Bullying: On average, 6% of adolescents engage in bullying others at school, with a higher prevalence among boys (8%) compared to girls (5%).
- Being Bullied at School: Approximately 11% of adolescents report being bullied at school, with no significant disparity between genders.
- Cyberbullying: Around 12% of adolescents admit to cyberbullying others, with boys (14%) more likely to engage in this behavior compared to girls (9%). This marks an increase from 2018 figures, with boys rising from 11% and girls from 7%.
- Victims of Cyberbullying: 15% of adolescents, or roughly 1 in 6, have experienced cyberbullying, with similar rates observed between boys (15%) and girls (16%). This represents an uptick from 2018, with boys rising from 12% and girls from 13%.
Dr. Joanna Inchley, International Coordinator for the HBSC, emphasized the dual nature of the digital world, noting, "While the digital realm offers remarkable opportunities for learning and connection, it also magnifies challenges like cyberbullying. Addressing this necessitates comprehensive strategies to safeguard the mental and emotional well-being of our youth. Collaboration among governments, schools, and families is essential in tackling online risks and ensuring adolescents have nurturing and secure environments to thrive."
The international report analyzed data from over 279,000 school-aged children across 44 countries and regions. Its objective is to furnish comprehensive insights into youth well-being, guiding policy and practice to enhance and enrich their lives.