On the first Thursday of November, people and organisations around the world stand together for the International Day against violence and bullying at school, including cyberbullying. The UNESCO Member States declared this day to recognise that violence, in all its forms, infringes on young people’s rights to education and their health and well-being.

Around the world, learners, parents, caregivers, educators and many other parties – including the tech industry – are called upon to help promote this international day. Various activities and campaigns are organised globally in the hope of creating a violence-free educational space for young people.

While bullying has been around for a long time, cyberbullying is somewhat of a newer phenomenon. It is at times referred to as online bullying or online hurtful behaviour. Concretely, cyberbullying can be defined as repeated and intentional aggressive behaviour on digital platforms, such as via messages, phone calls, emails, or social media posts. It can also be done by posting inappropriate or unflattering images of someone online without their permission, or creating websites or groups specifically to exclude or make fun of someone. 

Effects of cyberbullying

As cyberbullying occurs virtually, it is much more difficult to identify and address than traditional bullying. The trauma resulting from cyberbullying also has major effects on academic performance and overall well-being. 

As young people’s lives become increasingly digital, issues such as cyberbullying, sextortion and online scams are more prevalent. Once falling victim to malicious behaviour online, the mental health and well-being of young people is drastically affected, and this can impact  their schoolwork and social lives. 

According to statistics released by the Insafe network of helplines in the first quarter of 2024, cyberbullying is one of the main reasons people contact a helpline, with 13 per cent of contacts relating to this issue.  

UNESCO also published a report on school violence and bullying in 2019, which detailed the impact on children who report being bullied online. One major finding was that young people who are frequently bullied are more than twice as likely to miss school. They also have a poorer overall school performance, scoring lower in mathematics and reading. 

Besides school performance, young people who experience bullying are twice as likely to feel lonely or attempt suicide, according to the UNESCO report. Bullying has also been shown to lead to higher rates of substance use and earlier sexual experience. 

Cyberbullying affects one in ten children, according to the 2019 UNESCO report. Physical bullying decreases as children age, but cyberbullying becomes more prevalent as they get older. According to the report, the most common reasons for bullying are race or nationality, with children from migrant or poorer families being more vulnerable to both in-person bullying and cyberbullying. 

While cyberbullying is still the smallest prevalent form of bullying, it is an increasing problem. It must remain a key focus point to ensure young people have the best chance of a positive educational and online experience – both of which are their rights. 

Better Internet for Kids against violence, bullying and cyberbullying

The first pillar of the new Better Internet for Kids strategy (BIK+) is ensuring a safe digital world that protects young people. Everything done within the scope of this project aims to enhance the safety, support and empowerment of young people. 

As such, there are many resources on the BIK platform to help young people and responsible adults to react to and process cyberbullying. An essential tool is the Safer Internet Centre map, which allows people in Europe to find their local helpline, listen to their experiences, and give individual advice. 

Another important tool is the Resources directory, which houses a treasury of articles about – among others - cyberbullying. There are also the Learning Corner sections, with tips and information tailored to different target audiences. 

Within the BIK project, multiple campaigns and events are also run. One event is the Safer Internet Forum (SIF). This year, SIF will have a focus on cyberbullying and inappropriate online content. During the Forum, different experts, policy makers and young people will share their thoughts on these issues. Anyone with an interest in these issues is welcome to join online – find further information and register on the BIK platform.

While cyberbullying is both harmful and difficult to control, awareness is an essential step to helping young people enjoy a safe digital space. That is why the International Day against violence and bullying at school, including cyberbullying exists, why BIK exists, and why campaigns to shine a light on these kinds of digital issues will continue until all young people are protected, empowered and respected online.

Discover more about International day against violence and bullying at school including cyberbullying on the UNESCO website.

For more information on services and Safer Internet Centres (SICs) throughout Europe which include awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, visit the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) platform. To stay up to date on related issues, subscribe to the quarterly BIK bulletin or follow us on our social media channels: LinkedIn , Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). We also post updates on the Safer Internet Forum Facebook page and the Safer Internet Day Facebook and X pages.