According to a WHO report, about 16% of children between the ages of 11 and 15 have been bullied online at least once - Illustration: GETTY IMAGES
On March 27, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report reflecting the situation of children being bullied online, in the context of the Internet becoming more and more developed and more accessible.
Researchers collaborating with the WHO European office surveyed more than 279.000 children ages 11, 13 and 15 in 44 countries and regions in Europe, Central Asia and Canada.
Results recorded in 2022, about 16% of children aged 11 - 15 have been bullied online at least once, higher than the rate of 1% recorded 13 years earlier.
The highest rates of cyberbullying occurred among boys in Bulgaria, Lithuania, Moldova and Poland, while Spain had the lowest rates.
In most countries and regions surveyed, cyberbullying peaks at age 11 for boys and 13 for girls.
WHO Europe Director, Mr. Hans Kluge, emphasized that this report is a wake-up call to address bullying and violence anytime, anywhere.
“With children spending up to six hours a day online, even small changes in rates of bullying and violence can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of thousands of children. me,” Mr. Kluge said.
WHO notes that forms of peer-to-peer violence in cyberspace have become especially concerning since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and young people are increasingly immersed in the virtual world during blockade orders. is applicable.
Need to tighten social network management
The report also said that 1 in 8 teens surveyed admitted to bullying others online, an increase of 3% compared to 2018.
Meanwhile, the number of teenagers participating in fights remains at 10-14% for boys and 6% for girls.
The WHO report stated that parents' socio-economic status does not significantly affect children's behavior. However, Canada is an exception, where economically disadvantaged youth are more vulnerable to bullying.
The report concludes that there is a need to invest more in monitoring forms of peer violence among children as well as prioritize educating children, families and schools about online bullying and its consequences. Tighten management of social media platforms to limit exposure to online bullying.
