Cyberbullying Affects One in Six Teenagers in Germany, Study Reveals

Cyberbullying continues to be a pressing issue among adolescents in Germany, with a recent study indicating that approximately one in six teenagers has experienced harassment online. This research, conducted by the Sinus Institute for the health insurance provider Barmer, surveyed 2,000 individuals aged 14 to 17 during the fall of 2024.

The findings reveal a concerning trend: 16% of respondents reported having been victims of cyberbullying, a slight increase from 14% in 2021. The study highlights that many young people are not only aware of the phenomenon but also know someone who has been affected. Over half of the surveyed teenagers (53%) indicated that they personally know someone who has faced online harassment.

Interestingly, a significant portion of the participants (28%) claimed they had never encountered any form of online insults or threats. However, 5% admitted to having engaged in cyberbullying themselves at some point.

Experts emphasize that cyberbullying poses serious risks to youths, leading to significant psychological and social consequences. Christoph Straub, the CEO of Barmer, stated that victims often suffer from increased stress, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-worth, potentially resulting in severe mental health issues, including depression and suicidal thoughts.

The study also sheds light on the platforms where cyberbullying most frequently occurs. WhatsApp emerged as the primary medium for online harassment, with 50% of teenagers who reported experiences of cyberbullying identifying it as the platform where the bullying took place. This was followed closely by TikTok at 43% and Instagram at 38%.

Among those who experienced cyberbullying, a staggering 74% reported that the harassment took the form of insults. Additionally, 52% noted that rumors were spread about them, while 33% experienced exclusion from group chats, particularly on WhatsApp. Furthermore, 32% mentioned being the subject of embarrassing photos or videos shared online.

Cyberbullying encompasses a range of harmful behaviors, including insults, threats, public humiliation, and harassment via digital platforms. According to the victim support organization, Weißer Ring, school-aged children are particularly vulnerable, with bullying predominantly occurring among peers.

The report calls for increased awareness and preventive measures to combat cyberbullying, urging parents, educators, and policymakers to take action to safeguard the mental health and well-being of young people in the digital age.