Global rise in youth cyberbullying

Recent reports highlight a significant increase in cyberbullying among children and adolescents. In Germany, the ‘Cyberlife VI’ study by the Alliance Against Cyberbullying found that approximately 20.7 percent of students—nearly 2.4 million young people—have been victims of online harassment, a rise from 18.5 percent in 2024. These incidents frequently occur on platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram, with 90 percent taking place within a school context. The study noted that 25 percent of affected youth reported suicidal thoughts, leading to calls for social media age limits.

On a broader scale, a UNICEF poll across 30 countries indicates that one in three young people have experienced online bullying. In the Philippines, cyberviolence affects nearly half of children aged 13 to 17. Reported behaviors include verbal abuse and the sharing of sexual messages. The impact of these actions includes academic decline, social withdrawal, and physical or emotional harm. While the issue is widespread, there is no consensus on responsibility, with youth opinions divided between governments, individual young people, and internet companies.