​Stop Cyberbullying Day Poll reveals 55% of children suffer online bullying

The Cybersmile Foundation have released today their annual Stop Cyberbullying Day poll with leading teen magazine Sugarscape, asking 2800 children how online abuse affects them.

Of those polled, 55% had been cyberbullied while 35% admitted to having suffered up to 5 separate incidents of online abuse.

Twitter was voted the most popular social media site by UK teens while Facebook was considered the least relevant platform by 45% of respondents. Facebook was also deemed the site people felt most at risk of bullying by 37% of those polled.

42% felt that there should be alternative punishments for cyberbullying such as community service while only 2% considered cyberbullying as not serious enough to get police involved.

"The 2015 Stop Cyberbullying Day Poll is key to identifying the latest trends and behaviours of our increasingly digital teenagers in the U.K. The results suggest we all have a long way to go in tackling the devastating problems of cyberbullying and digital abuse, and with the data indicating 55% of U.K. teenagers have suffered from cyberbullying I think it's crucial we do it quickly." - Scott Freeman, Founder, The Cybersmile Foundation

Today marks the 3rd annual Stop Cyberbullying Day event which was launched by The Cybersmile Foundation to raise awareness of digital abuse, and to seek positive solutions to resolve the growing problem. Supporters can join the debate on social media with the hashtag #SCD2015.

For further information about Stop Cyberbullying Day please visit : https://www.cybersmile.org/stop-cyberbullying-day

The Stop Cyberbullying Day 2015 Poll

(Independently polled through Hearst Publishing teen magazine Sugarscape)

- Age Breakdown : 11-18

- People Polled: 2814

- 4429 answers

How many times have you been a victim of online abuse?

Never 45% (397)

Up to 5 separate incidents 35% (312)

Up to 10 separate incidents 6% (54)

More than 10 separate incidents 5% (48)

So many times I have lost count 8% (73)

(884 responses)

Which of these would be most likely to make you act more positively to others online?

A friend being cyberbullied 18% (111)

Being cyberbullied yourself 17% (101)

Reading real life stories about the effects of cyberbullying 33% (200)

Celebrity role models encouraging kindness online 14% (87)

Government/police warnings 3% (20)

Your friends showing kindness to others 14% (88)

(607 responses)

Which is your favourite social media site?

Facebook 15% (89)

Twitter 45% (272)

Google+ 1% (8)

Snapchat 4% (25)

Tumblr 11% (66)

Instagram 17% (100)

Vine 2% (10)

ask.fm Less than 1% (1)

Other 5% (33)

(604 responses)

Which statement do you agree with the most?

There should be stricter laws and prison sentences for cyberbullies 29% (173)

Cyberbullying isn't serious enough to get the police involved 2% (24)

There should be alternative punishments for cyberbullying such as community service 42% (252)

Those who cyberbully others should be banned from the internet 27% (163)

(612 responses)

Where should teens be learning about online safety?

At school 46% (281

At home, from parents/guardians 33% (201)

From friends 3% (21)

From online resources 11% (69)

Other 5% (33)

(605 responses)

On which of the following sites do you feel most at risk of bullying?

Facebook 37% (228)

Twitter 27% (166)

Google+ 1% (5)

Snapchat: 3% (18)

Tumblr 5% (31)

Instagram 10% (60)

Vine 0% (0)

ask.fm 13% (80)

Other 4% (26)

(614 responses)

Which of the following do you think is Least relevant to online teens right now?

Facebook 45% (224)

Twitter 6% (32)

Snapchat 11% (56)

Tumblr 17% (86)

YouTube 17% (86)

Instagram 4% (19)

(503 responses)

About The Cybersmile Foundation

The Cybersmile Foundation is a multi award winning non-profit organization committed to tackling all forms of digital abuse and bullying online. They work to promote diversity and inclusion by building a safer, more positive digital community.

Through education and the promotion of positive digital citizenship, The Cybersmile Foundation reduces incidents of cyberbullying and provides professional help along with support services to children and adults.

Connect

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CybersmileHQ

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCybersmileFoundation

Website: http://www.cybersmile.org/

Community support website: http://www.cybersmile.org/cyberbullying-support-community

Contact

pressoffice@cybersmile.org