Cyberbullying
Introduction
Cyberbullying, characterized by the use of electronic communication to intimidate or harm individuals, is a significant and growing issue in British schools. As online platforms become integral to social interactions, the prevalence of cyberbullying has surged, particularly among young people. Understanding its scope, effects, and harms is vital to inform preventative measures and support affected individuals.
Prevalence of Cyberbullying in the UK
Cyberbullying is prevalent among young people in the UK, with significant proportions of children and teenagers experiencing abuse online. The Office for National Statistics estimates 19.1% of children aged 10-15 experienced online bullying in the past year (ONS 2024). Victims are frequently targeted on social media, through messaging apps, and in online gaming environments, where anonymity and the ease of creating unverified accounts contribute to a culture of impunity for perpetrators (Ofcom 2024).
While half of children told their parent or guardian about the bullying they experienced in the last year, 18.1% who experienced online bullying behaviour did not tell anyone (ONS 2024). This means that parents, guardians, and safeguarding leads should be aware that not all bullying is reported and take seriously any reported incidents as potential indicators of wider harm.
Effects of Cyberbullying
The psychological impact of cyberbullying on victims is profound and wide-ranging. Victims often suffer from anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Children who are bullied:
may develop mental health problems like depression and anxiety
have fewer friendships
aren't accepted by their peers
are wary and suspicious of others
have problems adjusting to school, and don't do as well. (NSPCC 2024)
Emotional distress from online abuse can lead to avoidance behaviours, such as withdrawal from social interactions and reluctance to attend school (Ofcom 2024). The effects often extend beyond the immediate experience, with reports suggesting that prolonged exposure to cyberbullying can hinder victims’ long-term ability to form trusting relationships and adversely affect their overall well-being into adulthood (ibid).
Harms to Individuals and Society
The harms caused by cyberbullying extend beyond individual victims and affect the broader social fabric. This is because the pervasive nature of cyberbullying imposes social costs. There is a high association between offline and online bullying (NIH 2022)
implying that the normalization of hostile behaviours in online spaces can create a toxic environment in-person, discouraging positive engagement and fostering distrust. The ease with which online perpetrators can evade accountability further complicates efforts to curb abuse and subsequently normalises this behaviour.
Conclusion
Cyberbullying remains a pervasive threat to young people in the UK, with significant psychological and societal ramifications. Efforts to address this issue must prioritize education as well as support for victims. By understanding the prevalence, effects, and harms of cyberbullying, parents and children, as well as school safeguarding facilitators, can work collaboratively to create safer digital environments and foster a culture of respect and empathy online. In the following weeks, ThinkB4UType blog posts will address the skills needed to recognise and combat online abuse.
Bibliography/Further Reading
NSPCC, (2024)
NIH, (2022)
Ofcom, (2024)
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