US data security company The Plot, they discuss the pressing issue of cyberbullying, specifically highlighting its impact on young people in the United States and globally. Here’s a summary of key findings, including percentage;
U.S. Cyberbullying Statistics:
- 90% of U.S. teens perceive cyber harassment as a problem.
- 15% would prefer to keep cyberbullying a secret.
- Students are almost twice as likely to attempt suicide if cyberbullied.
- 80% believe others cyberbully because they think it’s funny.
- 37% of victims develop social anxiety.
- 59% of teenagers have experienced online bullying or harassment.
- 14.5% of children between 9 and 12 have been cyberbullied.
- 66.3% of tweens have tried to assist a victim.
Internet Usage Among Children:
- 95% of U.S. teens are internet users.
- 45% of teens are constantly online, up from 24% in 2014.
- Only 25% of teens spend in-person time with friends outside school.
- 15% of teens engage in sexting, and 35% of girls aged 15 to 17 receive unwanted explicit images.
- 88% share too much personal information online.
Bullying Trends and Perceptions:
- 59% of U.S. teenagers have faced online bullying; 32% experienced false rumors, and 25% received unwanted explicit images.
- 38% of U.S. internet users see trolling daily.
- 6% of American high-schoolers admitted to bullying online in the past 30 days.
- 19% of adolescents were involved in online aggression in the past year.
- 80% of teens think cyberbullying is “funny.”
Global and Special Focus Areas:
- Louisiana has the highest percentage of cyberbullying victims (21.2%) in the U.S.
- 25% of stalking victims report cyberstalking.
- Gamers are more likely to be victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying.
- 75% of people globally are aware of cyberbullying.
- 85% of LGBTQ students in the U.S. experience verbal harassment in school.
- Instagram leads in cyberbullying, with 42% of young users experiencing it.
- 71% of teens say blocking someone is the best prevention method.
- 64% of cyberbullying victims say it affected their ability to learn and feel safe at school.
- About 60% of parents worry about their kids getting bullied online.
Negative Effects of Cyberbullying:
- Children bullied online are nine times more likely to be victims of identity fraud.
- 37% of victims develop social anxiety.
- Cyberbullying increases suicide attempts by 8.7%.
- Suicide rates among teens aged 15-19 rose by 47% between 2000 and 2017.
- Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people aged 15-29.
- Students are almost twice as likely to attempt suicide if they have been cyberbullied.
- Victims of bullying and cyberbullying can suffer from depression, academic difficulties, and suicidal thoughts.
The article underscores the serious and often overlooked consequences of cyberbullying. It emphasizes the urgent need for awareness, intervention, and proper handling of this digital age issue, affecting not only the victims but also their families, schools, and communities. The data provided paints a grim picture of the prevalence and impact of cyberbullying, particularly among young people.
