Cyprus faces online bullying crisis with 14.4% of children affected

Around 14.4% of children in Cyprus have been victims of online bullying at least 1-2 times in the last months, according to the results of the international Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The survey also shows that percentage of children in Cyprus who have bullied another children online at least 1-2 times in the last months reaches 9.5%.

Based on the results of the survey, 4.3% of students in Cyprus have bullied other children at school at least 2-3 times a month in recent months.

In Cyprus 7.8% of students have been bullied at least 2-3 times a month in recent months, while the percentage of children who participated in fights at least 3 times in the last 12 months reaches 10.6%.

The results for Cyprus follow international trends but are lower in terms of bullying at school and on the internet (challenge and victimization), while in terms of being involved in fights, the percentage of Cyprus is similar with the international one.

According to a press release by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, the international survey Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) (http://keea-hbsc.pi.ac.cy/hbsc/) is being conducted every four years and provides international comparative data on the health, quality of life, social environment and health behaviors of school children (11, 13 and 15 years old). The research has been carried out since 1983, with the participation of approximately 50 countries worldwide.

It said that 6.0% of students at international level have bullied other children at school at least 2-3 times a month in recent months. The percentage in Cyprus is lower (4.3% ). In terms of gender, both internationally and in Cyprus, a higher rate of participation in bullying is reported for boys than for girls. In terms of age, no differences were found.

A total of 11.0% of students internationally have been bullied at least 2-3 times a month in recent months. The percentage in Cyprus is lower (7.8%).

The percentage of children who have been victimized online at least 1-2 times in the last months internationally is 16.0% (15.0% of boys and 16.0% of girls). The percentage in Cyprus is lower (14.4%).

In several countries the percentage of girls is higher than the percentage of boys. In Cyprus no gender difference was observed. Both internationally and in Cyprus, no correlation is observed as regards the socio-economic level.

The Ministry of Education noted that it will focus on the utilization of the survey data, with the aim of improving specific aspects of the educational system related to the promotion of the health of school-age children.