The internet is now prevalent in everyday life and used extensively by adults and children of all ages. As an example, online communication tools have become a dominant part of our lives.
When used properly it is en excellent tool with enormous benefits, but when we used maliciously it can have severe consequences and cause serious harm to victims.
Cyberbullying is a growing problem with increasing numbers of people, including young kids and celebrities, that are using the internet, especially social media sites.
In general, one in 3 young people, mostly between 10 and 15 years old, have said they are victims of online bullying, with 20% of them reporting having skipped school due to cyberbullying and violence (UNICEF).
Studies have found that it’s more harmful than simple name-calling, as it leads to significant psycho-social and life problems or even worse, like the following findings:
- Children who are bullied are three times more likely to show depressive symptoms and nine times more likely to have suicidal thoughts.
- Children who bully have a 25% chance of having a criminal record by the age of 30.
- Children’s bullying has a strong correlation to domestic violence.