The e-Enfance Association / 3018 unveils the results of its 4th annual survey on bullying and cyberbullying in schools., (Audirep Institute, with the support of Caisse d'Epargne).Conducted among pairs of parents and children aged 6 to 18 who are in school, it reveals that This scourge affects younger people more.
Bullying affects 6-10 year olds more
The study takes a novel look at the phenomenon of harassment affecting 24 % for children aged 6 to 18. This phenomenon is causing increasing concern as it mainly affects the youngest members of society: 27 % primary school pupils were confronted with this at least once. (25 % in middle school and 19 % in high school).
Social media and messaging apps: early use and addiction
Another point of concern raised by the study: exposure to social media, it takes place from an early age since 67 % primary school children are already enrolled, despite the’prohibition for children under 13. This figure rises to 93 % in middle school and 96 % in high school.
Hyperconnectivity exposes young people to cyberviolence
Hyper-connectivity from the age of 6 exposes children to cyberbullying. 20% primary school pupils there are already been confronted. A phenomenon that has been on the rise since last year (13% in 2023). And more generally, 44 % for 6-18 year olds have already been cyberbullied in a group WhatsApp.
Suffering deemed extreme by children and severely impacted mental health
The phenomenon, ingrained from an early age, trivialises violent behaviour, exacerbating psychological and physical suffering. Nearly’one third of victims experience severe suffering (on a scale of 0 to 10, 31 % rate their suffering as 9 or 10)
The repercussions on victims are severe: 29 % of victims have even contemplated suicide., whilst 58 % young people who have been bullied lost confidence in themselves.
Parents calling for concrete action and support
The parents interviewed express their dismay at this hyper-connectivity, but find themselves in a paradoxical situation. If 71% of them admit that they do not know exactly what their children are doing on the internet., yet they are 70 % to be aware of the risks involved.
A large majority of parents (90%) are also awaiting’concrete actions,from schools and public authorities. In addition, 7 out of 10 parents judge The ban on access to social media for children under the age of 15 is useful.
