Cyberbullying Facts

Cyberbullying

Facts About Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying where digital technologies are misused to embarrass and threaten people. Here are some facts about cyberbullying:

Technology, such as cell phones and computers, can be enormously useful. It offers companionship and lets you feel "connected." However, it can make you feel frightened and overly exposed as well.

Cyberbullying is online social cruelty that uses cell phones and the internet to harass, humiliate, embarrass, or taunt someone with words and images. It can include rumors or threats of violence, name-calling, and social-emotional threats. This is why you need to think before posting any picture on social networks or text messages. 

Among students ages 12-18, 15.7% reported being bullied online or by text.
In 2017-2018, about 15% of public schools reported that cyberbullying had occurred among students at least once a week at or away from school.
Girls reported being bullied by being rumored, while boys reported getting threatened online.
9% of public schools said that the school environment was affected by cyberbullying.
8% of schools reported that staff resources were used to deal with cyberbullying. (Clearly, more resources are needed.)
The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:

Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok)
Text Messaging and Messaging Apps on Mobile or Tablet Devices
Instant Messaging, Direct Messaging, and Online Chatting Over the Internet
Online Forums, Chat Rooms, and Message Boards (Reddit)
Email
Online Gaming Communities

Statistics on Facebook bullying found that at least 1 million children were bullied on the social media platform in 2017 alone.

Resources

The 2017 School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice)
The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 
The 22nd Edition of Indicators of School Crime and Safety, A Joint Publication of The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) and The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)