Nearly one in four children have already been confronted with cyberbullying, reveals the e-Enfance association

According to this online study, 34% of young people questioned admit to having participated in the harassment of another child, on or off the internet.

The phenomenon seems to continue to spread, particularly among younger people. Nearly a quarter (23%) of children aged 6 to 18 say they have been confronted with a cyberbullying situation at least once, compared to 19% a year earlier (among 8-18 year olds). , according to a study published Wednesday, October 9 by the Caisse d’épargne and the e-Enfance association. This notably manages 30 18, a helpline intended for young victims of harassment, as well as their parents and education professionals.

Among the children surveyed, 20% of schoolchildren say they have already been cyberbullied (compared to 13% in 2023), like 22% of middle school students (they were 19% the previous year) and 29% of high school students (compared to 21% in 2023). The organization notes that girls are more targeted by this online harassment, to which 26% of them claim to have been confronted at least once, compared to 20% of boys.

These behaviors have deleterious effects on the mental health of victims: 58% say they have lost self-confidence, 57% say they have encountered difficulties in their schooling or studies, and 29% say they have had suicidal thoughts.

The association was not only interested in the victims. More than a third of young people questioned (34%) admit to having been perpetrators or to having participated “even involuntarily” to harassment, and 6% to online harassment. Among the latter, the reasons given are multiple: 36% say they did it to “to laugh”35% for “take revenge” and 34% for “do like the others”. Finally, 77% claim to have understood the consequences of their actions. However, this did not prevent a large majority from repeating cyberharassment behavior (58%).

The study was carried out online in May by the Audirep institute, for the e-Enfance association and with the support of the Savings Bank, by questioning 1,602 parent-child pairs (i.e. a total of 3,204 respondents ). The children interviewed are in school and aged between 6 and 18 years old.

If you need help, if you are worried or if you are faced with the suicide of a member of your entourage, there are anonymous listening services. The line Suicide listens(New window) can be reached 24/7 on 01 45 39 40 00. Other information is also available on the website of the Ministry of Solidarity and Health(New window).

To report any situation of harassment or cyberharassment, whether you are a victim or a witness, there is a free, anonymous and confidential telephone number, 3018, reachable Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Other information is also available on the website of the Ministry of National Education(New window).