Alarming Report Highlights Widespread Impact of Cyberbullying on Secondary School Children
According to a recent report by CyberSafeKids, cyberbullying is affecting over 40% of secondary school children, painting a concerning picture of the online safety landscape. The report, which surveyed more than 5,000 children aged between 8 and 16, also revealed that 25% of primary school children experience cyberbullying.
Girls emerged as more likely to be victimized online compared to boys. These distressing findings serve as a wake-up call for parents, educators, and policymakers to address the issue and provide the necessary support and resources to protect children in the digital age.
The prevalence of cyberbullying is particularly alarming considering that a significant number of children have their own smart devices. The survey found that a staggering 93% of 8-12 year-olds own a smart device. Furthermore, a large majority of children in this age group (62%) enjoy unrestricted access to the internet.
The report also shed light on the most popular apps among children. YouTube ranked as the top app, with a usage rate of 76%, followed by WhatsApp (39%), TikTok (37%), and Snapchat (37%). Additionally, online gaming is a popular activity, with 15% of children playing games rated for those over 18, such as Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto.
Notably, while boys were more likely to engage in playing over-18 games (28% versus 6% for girls), young girls were found to be more inclined towards posting videos of themselves online (26% versus 18% for boys).
The survey marked the first inclusion of secondary school children, revealing that 73% of 12-16 year-olds enjoy unrestricted internet access. Disturbingly, 40% of these teenagers reported posting videos of themselves on social media platforms. In contrast, younger children face more parental controls, but even then, 31% of 8-12 year-olds claimed they could venture online whenever they pleased. Shockingly, 15% of primary school children had no rules in place for internet usage at home.
The report also highlighted a lack of awareness among young children regarding online safety measures. Nearly a quarter (22%) of children surveyed reported posting videos of themselves online, while 17% admitted to being unaware of how to manage their privacy settings.
The consequences of this digital landscape are evident, with 26% of children having witnessed or encountered online content within the past year that troubled them, such as sexual or violent material. Worryingly, almost half (46%) of younger children did not confide in a parent or trusted adult about these distressing experiences, a figure that rose to 67% among secondary school children.
Alex Cooney, the CEO of CyberSafeKids, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that online safety for children remains a critical issue that is not adequately addressed by Ireland’s education system or social media companies. Cooney urged the government to invest significantly in resources and campaigns to support both parents and educators. Despite the substantial profits reported by online service providers, organizations like CyberSafeKids struggle to obtain sufficient funding to tackle the increasing challenges faced by children online.
As the impact of cyberbullying continues to reverberate through the lives of secondary school children, it is essential for stakeholders to rally together and prioritize the safety, well-being, and mental health of the younger generation. Enduring solutions must be developed to combat cyberbullying and ensure a safer digital environment for all children.
