Press release: Study by Caisse d'Epargne/Association e-Enfance on cyberbullying among young people

14 October 2021

Paris, 6 October 2021

Cyberbullying figures and statistics

To better understanding cyberbullying To address the issues faced by families and help them deal with this growing phenomenon, Caisse d'Epargne and the e-Enfance/3018 Association are unveiling the results of a groundbreaking study. This Overview of cyberbullying in France reveals, in particular, parents' needs in terms of prevention and practical support in dealing with the risks of the Internet.

This study is part of a sponsorship agreement between Caisse d'Epargne, a family bank and insurance company, and Association e-Enfance/3018, a leading organisation in the field of child protection on the Internet which aims to strengthen operational support for the families concerned.

Overview of social media usage among young people

The study reveals that the average age at which the child was equipped with His first digital camera is 10 years old. Social media,63% of children surveyed reported being registered on one or more social networks. Online gaming sites also fare well: nearly half of the children surveyed say they go there.

Furthermore, their use is not well controlled: More than 8 out of 10 parents (83%) admit that they do not know exactly what their children are doing on the Internet or on social media, and 78% say that they do not have complete control over what their children are doing on social media.

Cyberbullying: risks underestimated by young people

The notion of risk incurred on the Internet or social media is much stronger among parents than among children. 74% of parents feel that their children are at risk of encountering dangerous individuals or being cyberbullied when using the internet or social media, compared to 34% of young people.

Faced with this fear, 95% of parents say they have taken at least one step to prevent their child from encountering risks on the internet or social media., primarily with verbal warnings or safety instructions.

20 per cent of children have already been confronted with cyberbullying.

Unfortunately, these risks sometimes materialise. The study reveals that 20% of young people report having already been confronted with a situation of cyberbullying. These experiences are encountered in the majority of cases. by young girls (51 %), aged 13 on average. Quite logically, these are children. spending more time on the Internet, which are better equipped and more often registered on several social networks or on network gaming sites.

Furthermore, cyberbullying is accompanied, and sometimes even compounded, by digital violence, which also has lasting consequences for children: 30% of young people surveyed say they have been shocked by content they have encountered unintentionally. on the Internet or social media.

Psychological support needed for 8 out of 10 parents

To receive the best possible support in these tragic situations, More than 9 out of 10 parents say they want help and information. firstly by an association for the protection of children and adolescents on the Internet, then by the child's school.

At the same time, Nearly 8 out of 10 parents find psychological support useful. in cases of cyberbullying, and nearly Three-quarters consider it useful to include it in school insurance. Existing solutions implemented by Caisse d'Epargne, which includes psychological assistance in cases of cyberbullying in its school and health insurance policies. This assistance provides access to a network of more than 1,500 clinical psychologists throughout the country.

Caisse d’Epargne commits to supporting the e-Enfance/3018 Association

To remain closely attuned to the needs and expectations of families, Caisse d’Epargne has joined forces with the e-Enfance Association, which operates 3018, the national helpline for digital violence.

«We welcome the initiative of the Caisse d'Epargne, which has chosen to take action on this issue. Its support for the e-Enfance Association will not only enable us to develop our activities, but also give us additional visibility to embed the 3018 reflex in the minds of the general public in cases of digital violence. », comments Justine Atlan, Chief Executive Officer of the e-Enfance Association.

The 3018 will also be promoted among young people through the distribution of protective smartphone cases featuring advice on how to deal with cyberbullying situations.

«Cyberbullying is a reality for many young people, but also for parents, who are often helpless when faced with this type of situation. That is why we were keen to partner with a leading player in the field of child protection on the internet and thus take a new step forward in supporting our customers. With this sponsorship, we are reaffirming our commitment to families by providing them with advice on prevention and, above all, practical and concrete solutions to these risks.», concludes Nicolas Balerna, Director of Retail Banking at Caisse d'Epargne.

*A new study conducted by Audirep for Caisse d'Epargne between 15 April and 2 May 2021, based on a sample of 1,204 parent/child pairs, representing a total of 2,408 respondents.

About Caisse d’Epargne

The 15 Caisses d'Epargne are cooperative banks serving their regions. With 18.2 million customers (including 4.5 million members), they support all types of customers: individuals, professionals, businesses, social economy actors, institutions and local authorities. They strive to provide the highest level of service in all areas: savings collection and management, loan disbursement, payment facilities, wealth management, real estate projects and insurance. The Caisses d'Epargne are part of Groupe BPCE, France's second-largest banking group.

About the e-Enfance Association/3018

Recognised as a public utility, the e-Enfance Association has been the benchmark for child protection on the Internet and digital citizenship education since 2005. Approved by the French Ministry of Education, it carries out awareness-raising activities among pupils, parents and professionals. It operates 3018, a national helpline for young victims of digital violence and their parents. Free, anonymous and confidential, 3018 has been the official partner of the French Ministry of Education in the fight against cyberbullying among pupils since 2011. As a trusted third party for social networks, reporting and removing harmful content within hours, 3018 supports teenagers, parents and professionals on all issues related to young people's digital use (cyberbullying, revenge porn, webcam blackmail, overexposure to screens, video games, exposure to violent and pornographic content, parental control, account hacking, identity theft, etc.).

The 3018 helpline is available by telephone 6 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., by chat at 3018.co.uk, Messenger and WhatsApp. In partnership with the Pharos platform (internet-signalement.gouv.fr), the Digital Brigade of the National Gendarmerie (gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr) and 119-Enfance en danger, 3018 is at the heart of the child protection system. e-childhood.org