WHO Report Reveals Surge in Cyberbullying Among Adolescents

A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has shed light on a concerning trend in cyberbullying among adolescents, with figures showing a notable increase compared to previous years. The report, titled “Health Behavior in School-aged Children,” encompassed data from 44 countries and underscored the urgent need for action to address this pervasive issue.

According to the findings, approximately 16 percent of children aged 11 to 15 experienced cyberbullying in 2022, marking a significant rise from 13 percent recorded four years ago. WHO’s regional director for Europe, Hans Kluge, emphasized the gravity of the situation, calling it a “wake-up call” for society to confront bullying and violence in all its forms.

The study revealed that both boys and girls were impacted, with 15 percent of boys and 16 percent of girls reporting incidents of cyberbullying in recent months. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the problem, with virtual interactions becoming more prevalent during periods of lockdown.

Notably, the report highlighted variations across countries, with Bulgaria, Lithuania, Moldova, and Poland experiencing higher levels of cyberbullying among boys. Conversely, Spain reported lower incidences without detailed statistical breakdowns provided.

The study also indicated that 11 percent of boys and girls reported being bullied at school on a regular basis, with marginal increases observed compared to previous years. Despite efforts to curb physical violence, the prevalence remained stable, with 10 percent of adolescents engaging in physical fights.

Interestingly, the report found that parents’ socioeconomic status had minimal influence on children’s behavior, except in Canada, where less advantaged youths were more susceptible to bullying. This discrepancy underscores the complex nature of the issue and the need for tailored interventions.

In response to these alarming findings, the report called for enhanced awareness, investment in monitoring mechanisms, and comprehensive education on cyberbullying. Furthermore, it advocated for stricter regulations on social media platforms to mitigate exposure to online harassment.

With adolescents spending increasing amounts of time online—up to six hours per day—the implications of cyberbullying on their health and well-being cannot be overstated. Urgent action is imperative to safeguard the mental and emotional welfare of the younger generation in the face of evolving digital landscapes.