The e-Enfance / 3018 Association has unveiled the results of the 6th edition of its annual survey on bullying and cyberbullying amongst 6–18-year-olds, conducted by the George(s) Institute with the support of the Caisse d’Epargne.
Conducted in September 2026 amongst 1,612 parent-child pairs, this new study reveals a trend that shows no sign of abating: Nearly one in three young people has already been subjected to bullying or cyberbullying.
Beyond this persistent reality, the 2026 Barometer highlights the changing environments in which violence occurs: online video games, peer discussion groups and, now, artificial intelligence. These developments are transforming young people’s experiences, but also the way they seek help.
Key figures from the 2026 Barometer
Harassment: a phenomenon that remains deeply entrenched
In 2026, 29 % of young people say they have been subjected to bullying, compared with 30 % in 2025. Furthermore, 12 % reported having experienced cyberbullying.
Whilst school remains the main setting for violence, bullying is not confined to its walls or to school hours. Relationships between young people extend to digital platforms, where humiliation, exclusion and intimidation can continue long after school has finished.
Bullying and cyberbullying are closely linked. Among children who have experienced both these forms of violence, two in three say that they occurred in the same situation.
Social media, online games and class groups: new arenas for violence
Digital activities play a central role in the daily lives of young children. 83 % of 6–18-year-olds use at least one social media platform or messaging service, with an average of 3.6 platforms visited.
This trend starts early: as young as 6–7 years old, 61 % of children use at least one social media platform or messaging service. Nearly a quarter of primary school pupils use Roblox, a proportion that rises to 37 % in secondary school.
Some young online gamers report having experienced or witnessed insults, exclusion, threats or pressure.
Young people participating in online discussion groups have already come across content intended to mock, exclude or humiliate.
WhatsApp groups amongst classmates, chat forums linked to video games and social media are all places where violence can continue.
Bullying does not necessarily start at school, nor does it stop at the school gates. Prevention efforts must take into account all the spaces where children live and socialise.
Artificial intelligence: a new area of risk, but also one where support is sought
This is one of the most striking findings from the 2026 edition: artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly significant role in the daily lives of teenagers, extending well beyond its use in schools.
66 % of secondary school pupils use AI for their schoolwork, compared with 57 % in 2025. However, more than one in five (21 %) also say they use it as a confidant, in the same way as a friend or a loved one.
AI: a new habit among young victims?
25 % young people who are victims of bullying or cyberbullying have used artificial intelligence to seek support or advice.
Among the victims who used these tools, 83 % believe that AI has helped to reduce or resolve their problem.
This search for help from the IA reveals a significant need for someone to listen, for reassurance and for support.
But artificial intelligence can also become a tool for violence. Nearly one in three victims of cyberbullying (31 %) report having been targeted by humiliating content generated by AI, particularly deepfakes.
31 % of victims of cyberbullying say they have been targeted by humiliating content generated by artificial intelligence.
These new forms of violence highlight the importance of prevention and access to personalised support.
Long-term consequences for young people’s mental health
Behind the statistics on bullying, the psychological consequences remain a particular cause for concern.
Some of the young victims lost their self-confidence whilst the incidents were taking place.
Some of the young victims have withdrawn into themselves.
Some of the young victims had thoughts of suicide during this period.
Some of the young victims still fear that the harassment will start again.
This violence leaves its mark long after it has ended. Among the young victims, 47 % say they are still feeling the effects, and 31 % have not regained their self-confidence.
This suffering also affects the youngest children: as early as primary school, 63 % of child victims report having felt sad.
These findings highlight the importance of spotting the early signs, listening to children’s accounts without judgement and providing appropriate support, particularly in psychological terms.
Prevent, listen and support: make dialling 3018 second nature
Whilst the Barometer highlights the persistence of violence, it also emphasises the vital role of adults in protecting young people.
Seven out of ten victims say they have told their parents about the harassment they have suffered. This is an encouraging development which serves as a reminder of just how crucial trust and dialogue are.
The need for support remains significant, however: 64 % of the young victims who expressed an opinion believe that psychological support could have helped them. As for parents, 86 % consider it useful to have access to psychological support in cases of bullying.
Cyberbullying or online abuse — don’t suffer in silence.
The national scheme for young people facing online harassment or online abuse, and the adults around them.
The 3018 helpline is free and confidential, and is available 7 days a week, from 9 am to 11 pm, by telephone and via the 3018 app.
Its staff offer a listening ear, advice and personalised support to young people, their families and other professionals.
As a trusted flagging organisation, the e-Enfance / 3018 Association can also liaise with platforms to have harmful content removed.
Discover the 3018
Combating bullying requires collective action. Families, schools, professionals, public authorities and digital platforms all have a role to play in protecting children, preventing violence and encouraging people to speak out.
Source: Caisse d’Epargne 2026 Barometer – e-Enfance Association / 3018. Survey conducted online by the George(s) Institute, from 18 to 28 September 2026, amongst 1,612 parent-child pairs with children aged between 6 and 18.
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