Learn more on Statistics About Cyberbullying
In a world where technology has become such an important part of life, more people are using the Internet for a variety of purposes, including children. With all the types of websites that are available, such as gaming, informational and even social interaction sites, children are spending more time online and interacting with more children who live around the world. This opens up the door to more situations of cyberbullying. Talking to your children about cyber safety is critical, but it is also important to understand the alarming statistics about cyberbullying so you can help your children stay safe online.
Numbers of Victims in Statistics About Cyberbullying
When you hear about bullying, you most often hear about the victims and the negative consequences this type of behaviour has on them. Learning the various statistics that indicate the percentage of children who are victimized by bullies, both online and in person, can open your eyes to the true magnitude of this problem. Some of the numbers show:
- At least 50 percent of teens have been bullied online according to the iSafe Foundation.
- About 10 to 20 percent of those teens are bullied on a regular basis per the Cyberbullying Research Center.
- One-million children on Facebook alone were harassed in 2011 as reported by Consumer Reports.
- DoSomething.org claims that 90 percent of children in grades 4 through 8 have been bullied at some point.
- ISafe Foundation reports that 35 percent of children have actually been threatened online, some more than once.
Bully numbers in Statistics About Cyberbullying
On the reverse side, there are shocking statistics about the number of bullies that exist online and in person. While it can sometimes be difficult to determine who the bullies are and why they partake in this behaviour, it is important to know how prevalent they are so you can teach your children to be careful and watch for any negative behaviour.
- According to the Teen Online & Wireless Safety Survey conducted in 2009, 34 percent of those who participated in cyberbullying did so both as a victim and a bully.
- About 53 percent of children have said something that was mean or hurtful to someone else while online according to the iSafe Foundation.
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Social Media and Bullying in Statistics About Cyberbullying
Social media is one of the leading places in which children today experience bullying. According to the Pew Internet Research Center, 95 percent of teenagers have witnessed cyberbullying while they have been using their social media sites. Of that percentage, 84 percent have seen someone defend the victim and 84 percent have stood up for the victim personally. However, 90 percent of those who witnessed bullying on their social media sites have also ignored the behaviour at some point with 35 percent of them doing so often. This shows that sometimes teens are comfortable standing up and sometimes they aren’t, even among the same group of teens.
Parental Involvement in Statistics About Cyberbullying
In many cases, it is up to the parents to teach their children about cyber safety and how to fight against bullies online. However, even though parents work hard to help their children learn to navigate the technological world, there are still many issues that can take place, some of which the parents may not even be aware of, particularly considering these statistics:
- More than 50 percent of children who have been bullied online do not report the behaviour to their parents, leaving their parents with no idea about this behaviour.
- A 2011 Pew Internet and American Life Survey revealed only about seven percent of parents are concerned about cyberbullying in general.
- However, the American Osteopathic Association reports as many as 52 percent of parents are concerned with bullying on social media sites with only about 1 in 6 parents being aware of this behaviour in regard to their children.
- About 10 percent of teens report bullying online to their parents according to the Hartford County Examiner.
- Only 1/5 of those instances are reported to law enforcement officials.
Reasons for Bullying
Understanding the reasons bullies partake in the behaviour can help parents and teachers train children not to participate, The more information parents, teachers and school administrators have, the fewer instances of bullying behaviour will occur. Thankfully, there are also statistics that reveal some of the most common reasons why children become bullies online. According to the 2009 survey by the Teen Online & Wireless Safety Survey, the most common reasons for bullying include:
- 11 percent show off for their friends
- 14 percent want to be mean
- 21 percent are out to embarrass the victim
- 28 percent use it for entertainment
- 58 percent are trying to get back at the victim for various reasons
- 58 percent feel the victim deserves it
- 16 percent have other reasons
Why Online?
Bullying has been an issue for many years so why is it so common online today? There are many reasons why cyberbullying has become a popular way for children to attack other children verbally and emotionally. Even though many children and teens attempt to use the Internet safely, learning why the Internet is commonly used will help you understand the psychology behind the phenomenon.
- About 80 percent of teens use cell phones, particularly smartphones, on a regular basis.
- The Teen Online & Wireless Safety Survey revealed 81 percent of children and teens think it is easier to pull off bullying online and avoid the consequences.
- The same survey shows 80 percent of youth feel they can hide their behaviour more easily online.
Thankfully, as many as 68 percent of teens realize that cyberbullying is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Even though many of them don’t yet stand up to bullies, with the right encouragement and education, it will become easier for these children and teens to really make a difference and reduce the amount of bullying that takes place, both online and in real life. With a strong knowledge of cyber safety, the Internet world can become a safer place for everyone to spend time, enjoy themselves, gather information and even have fun.