Argentina: Pediatric experts warn of rising hybrid bullying

The Argentine Society of Pediatrics (SAP) has issued a warning regarding the rise of hybrid bullying, where physical classroom conflicts extend into digital spaces such as WhatsApp, social media, and gaming platforms. Experts note that digital environments allow harassment to persist indefinitely, reaching victims at home and outside of school hours, which can amplify emotional and physical consequences.

Data from the 2023 Aprender Tests, involving over 614,000 sixth-grade students in Argentina, indicates that 63% reported experiencing aggression or violence in school or online. Additionally, 56% witnessed peer aggression, 34% admitted to aggressing others, and 36% reported feeling discriminated against.

According to UNICEF Argentina, the proportion of adolescents aged 13 to 17 reporting harassment increased from 25% to 41% between 2024 and 2025. Health professionals are urging families, schools, and medical teams to remain vigilant for signs of both traditional and cyberbullying.