Cyberbullying: One in six teenagers report harassment online

Cyberbullying: One in six teenagers report harassment online Cyberbullying has become an increasingly prevalent issue among teenagers, with one in six reporting incidents of online harassment, according to a recent international study. The study also revealed that the problem has worsened since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in cyberbullying cases is a cause for concern, as it can have severe consequences on the mental health and well-being of young individuals. With the pervasive use of technology and social media platforms, bullies now have a wider reach and can target their victims beyond the confines of school walls. The study, conducted by researchers from several countries, sheds light on the troubling trend of cyberbullying. It involved analyzing data from over 500,000 teenagers across 83 countries. The findings indicate that approximately 16% of teenagers have experienced some form of online harassment. The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have exacerbated the issue, as more children are now turning to the internet for socialization and entertainment due to lockdowns and restrictions. This increased online presence has provided bullies with more opportunities to exploit and torment their victims remotely. Cyberbullying can take various forms, including spreading rumors, making derogatory comments, threats, and even sharing explicit or manipulated photos without consent. The study found that girls were more likely to be victims of online harassment, particularly through rumor-spreading and the sharing of inappropriate content. The consequences of cyberbullying extend beyond the immediate emotional distress experienced