Cyberbullying among young people: Particularly widespread on three portals
According to a survey, young people in Germany are increasingly becoming victims of cyberbullying. The number of victims is also rising in Switzerland.
About one in six young people in Germany was affected by cyberbullying - i.e. insults on the internet - last year. This figure is higher than ever before. Last year, around 16 per cent of adolescents were affected by cyberbullying, compared to 14 per cent in 2021. This is made clear by a study conducted by the Sinus Institute on behalf of the health insurance company Barmer.
More than one in two young people also learnt that someone in their immediate environment was the target of cyberbullying. In 2021, this figure was still 43 per cent. In contrast, 28 per cent of the adolescents surveyed said they had never experienced cyberbullying.
Around 2,000 young people between the ages of 14 and 17 were surveyed for the 2023 poll.
The insults mainly take place on Whatsapp, Tiktok and Instagram
52 per cent of young people affected by cyberbullying said they had experienced it on the messaging service Whatsapp. This was followed by Tiktok and Instagram with 34 and 33 per cent respectively.
The most common experience was insults (74 per cent), followed by the spreading of rumours (52 per cent). This was followed by exclusion from groups (33 per cent) and uploading embarrassing pictures and videos (32 per cent).
"Victims must not be left alone," appeals Barmer CEO Christoph Straub. It is important that those affected receive fast and trustworthy help. The Barmer website also provides links to contact points for those affected by cyberbullying. Those affected in Switzerland can find help at Pro Juvente.
Cyberbullying among young people in Switzerland
Cyberbullying among young people is also a growing problem in Switzerland. In 2022, in a survey, 29 per cent of adolescents surveyed stated that they had already been the victim of cyberbullying. Just as many stated that they were still affected by it. This figure increased in the following year: der Blick reported that by 2023, one in four young people had already experienced insults online.
Cover photo: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock
A true local journalist with a secret soft spot for German pop music. Mum of two boys, a dog and about 400 toy cars in all shapes and colours. I always enjoy travelling, reading and go to concerts, too.
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